1. Association of Democratic Services Officers Presentation to London Scrutiny Network – July 2011 Association of Democratic Services Officers John Austin ADSO Chairman

2. What is ADSO? National body representing democratic services Local Authorities, Joint Authorities, Employers Organisations Democratic Services covers: Meetings support Overview & Scrutiny Members Services Community governance Civic Support Not electoral services National body representing democratic services Local Authorities, Joint Authorities, Employers Organisations Democratic Services covers: Meetings support Overview & Scrutiny Members Services Community governance Civic Support Not electoral services Association of Democratic Services Officers

3. What does ADSO offer? Nationally recognised professional body Raising profile of sector Practitioner input into national policies Major networking / development opportunities An inter- active website Set quality standards in professional practice and training Over 800 members (200+ in scrutiny) 209 authorities £45 individual membership per year Nationally recognised professional body Raising profile of sector Practitioner input into national policies Major networking / development opportunities An inter- active website Set quality standards in professional practice and training Over 800 members (200+ in scrutiny) 209 authorities £45 individual membership per year Association of Democratic Services Officers

4. Progress to date Board with co-opted representatives from nearly all regions Increased membership in second year Business plan 2010 – 2013 Benchmarking Weekly legal bulletin MJ Awards Website – www.asdso.co.ukwww.asdso.co.uk 3 rd Annual conference November 2011 Association of Democratic Services Officers

5. Qualifications Certificate in Democratic Practice (optional scrutiny module) Diploma in Local Democracy Both qualifications are nationally recognised within the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and awarded by Proqual Association of Democratic Services Officers

6. Certificate Level 4 qualification. For more inexperienced staff working within Democratic Services / O & S etc Includes 6 assignments and professional discussions on key legislative areas (covering all areas of Democratic Services including Scrutiny) 2 mandatory modules on democratic behaviours A range of optional practice modules (eg managing and supporting meetings, member development, overview and scrutiny) to suit the learners area of work. Association of Democratic Services Officers

7. Democratic Services Professional Diploma Launched June 2011. Learners will be experienced Democratic Services Officers who possess knowledge of the main democratic functions. Level 6 qualification Pathway approach using specialist area (e.g. overview and scrutiny, member services etc, executive, ethical framework etc). Modules of underpinning, high level Democratic knowledge Dissertation style piece of extended study, with either internal or external focus Association of Democratic Services Officers

8. Any questions? Association of Democratic Services Officers