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Regional Operations and Networking Strategies for the Association of Democratic Services Officers

This session outlines how the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) will operate regionally and sub-regionally, focusing on effective branch functions and networking. Sharing best practices, we will discuss the establishment of up to 12 branches and their AGM processes, ensuring representation on the ADSO Council by October 2011. Engaging participants, we aim to coordinate various functions for a unified voice. Insights from the North West case study will help illustrate how networking can enhance democratic services across regions, fostering collaboration and support within local governance.

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Regional Operations and Networking Strategies for the Association of Democratic Services Officers

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  1. Operating Regionally Mark Towers Blackpool Council Helen Abraham Coventry City Council October 2009 Association of Democratic Services Officers

  2. Outline of Session – Branches and Functions How will ADSO operate regionally / sub regionally? 25 min Ideas and good practice will be shared on how branches will: - operate - link to existing regional /sub-regional networks How will ADSO develop a united voice, from its 5 functions? 20 min We need your views on how: - we can co-ordinate these various functions - we can speak with one voice Association of Democratic Services Officers

  3. Regions and Branches PART 1: How is the Association going to operate regionally and sub regionally? Association of Democratic Services Officers

  4. Memorandum and Articles of Association – MUSTS • 12 regions, up to 12 branches • Branch members=paid ADSO members • Can join branch they work in, or an adjacent one. • Branches have AGM each year • Regions could merge into a ‘Super Branch’ • Goal: all branches to elect ‘formal’ rep to ADSO Council by Oct 2011 Association of Democratic Services Officers

  5. Members ADSO Operating Structure Council • 1 rep from each branch • rep serves for 3 years Regional Branches (up to 12 ‘branches’) Sub regional/ regional networks (existing or new?) Members Association of Democratic Services Officers

  6. North West ‘Case Study’ • Some sub regional working, no overall ‘regional’ cohesion. • 5 sub regions – 2 with established networks. Some regional networks (e.g. scrutiny, Member Services). • North West Employers Organisation – key lead role in joining the region up – Sue Baxendale. • Launch of ADSO and new qualifications key to cross-region working. Association of Democratic Services Officers

  7. North West Approach • North West Network meetings • All 39 Authorities invited to send a rep • December 2008 + September 2009 North West Steering Group • 2 meetings – receive feedback + make proposals Operating Regionally Workshop – Sept 2009 • How networking could operate • What the structure would be? • Case study for today…… Association of Democratic Services Officers

  8. North West Workshop – Networking + Structure • Aims – Consider: • How could an ADSO branch work within North West? • 2. Could current sub-regional networks/meetings support an ADSO branch? • How could the branch communicate across the region? • How could all potential members of ADSO feel involved? Association of Democratic Services Officers

  9. North West Workshop – Findings - Networking • Include ADSO items on current sub-regional network agendas. • Develop sub-regional working where it is not in place – ADSO driven. • Develop networking sub-regionally for non-managers - focus on training. • Hold an Awards ceremony for those who qualify. • Use recently retired staff to develop networking and help establish the Association in the region. Association of Democratic Services Officers

  10. North West Workshop – Findings - Structure • Branch AGM to be run as a one day seminar. • AGM - vote on a rep for ADSO Council and other positions – use absent voting methods - keeps cost down. • 3. Have an Executive/Steering Group, possibly with sub-regional reps to co-ordinate work. • 4. Keep current regional or sub-regional networks, as some current attendees may not want to, or be able to join ADSO. Association of Democratic Services Officers

  11. END OF PART ONE! Any questions/ comments/ thoughts? Association of Democratic Services Officers

  12. Speaking as One Voice How will the various parts of Democratic Services work together, to put forward a united voice? Association of Democratic Services Officers

  13. Definition of Democratic Services • Meetings support – providing support services to various formal and informal meetings. • Overview and scrutiny support - providing assistance to the scrutiny function. • Member support –training, political and group support, members’ ward enquiries, etc. • Community Governance – assisting in the delivery of services in neighbourhoods/community areas • Civic support – supporting the Mayor/ Chairman of an Authority and other civic representatives. Association of Democratic Services Officers

  14. ADSO Mission/ Vision Our mission ‘To represent, promote and develop excellent democratic services, for the benefit of everyone who works within the sector and those we support.’ Our vision ‘To be a nationally recognised professional association regarded as such by Central Government, our membership and partners.' Association of Democratic Services Officers

  15. Democratic Services Business Plan Aims • Below are 3 of 8 aims in ADSO Launch Business Plan: • To promote the professional status of democratic services, within all aspects of local and community governance; • • To represent the democratic services profession through active engagement with others; • • To act as a body of influence on matters relating to democratic services. Association of Democratic Services Officers

  16. Body of Influence – How? • 5 different functions, as per definition • How would we have responded to consultation exercises like these, from recent years? • New model constitution • Councillor Call for action/ petitions • Councillors Commission feedback • Elected Mayor/ revised Executive arrangements • Delegated budgets to neighbourhoods/ Councillors Association of Democratic Services Officers

  17. Options for an ADSO response • ADSO Council responds direct? • ADSO Council – gets feedback from regions then responds? • ADSO Council refers issue to an expert functional Panel? What do you think? • If using regions then how could this work/ be co-ordinated? • If using ‘expert’ Panels how could this work? Association of Democratic Services Officers

  18. JOIN ADSO !!!!!!!!! • We all need to work together to promote the Association + the qualifications. • Encourage your employers organisation to get involved (if not already) + take a lead. • Work with your regional contact(s) -help set up your branch + how it will operate! http://www.asdso.co.uk/adsoarea Association of Democratic Services Officers

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