Association of Democratic Services Officers
Are you ready to deal with the new Political Reforms? Do you want to be recognised in the job you do? Do you want to be in a strong position to make the next move?
Then read on, as the second cohort of learners for the Certificate in Democratic Services Practice is to start shortly and you can join them! The Certificate in Democratic Services Practice was officially launched at the ADSO Conference in October 2009. There are currently 15 Regional Advisers working with over 40 learners across the country, benefitting from shared learning opportunities and up to the minute knowledge.
We now have a new budget year and managers are requested to think about the benefits staff could gain from working towards the Certificate. Learners in cohort one are already starting to realise the new knowledge they are acquiring as part of their work and the opportunities it can bring for further development. Jenny Hambley from the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority said “I didn’t realise that by undertaking this qualification, I would not only improve my knowledge but would have the opportunity to learn how things are done in other Authorities as well. It’s a real learning curve and has given me the opportunity to provide the democratic support to the AGMA Democratic Services Managers Group.”
Ian Barton, a learner from Sefton Council was of a similar view “I have just started to work in the Scrutiny Support team and this qualification has given me a good foundation to help me develop my new role.”
The ADSO Qualifications and Development Centre is now seeking potential learners for cohort two which will commence in early July 2010. Interested parties are encouraged to submit expressions of interest through the ADSO website www.asdso.co.uk/qualifications and will be contacted by the relevant Regional Coordinator to discuss their involvement further. The cost of the Certificate is £1,400 which includes attendance at free training events with other learners for the 7 Knowledge and Understanding modules. The qualification should take 12 months to complete.