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

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

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

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: 1.How could an ADSO branch work within North West? 2.Could current sub-regional networks/meetings support an ADSO branch? 3.How could the branch communicate across the region? 4.How could all potential members of ADSO feel involved? Association of Democratic Services Officers

9. North West Workshop – Findings - Networking Association of Democratic Services Officers 1.Include ADSO items on current sub-regional network agendas. 2.Develop sub-regional working where it is not in place – ADSO driven. 3.Develop networking sub-regionally for non-managers - focus on training. 4.Hold an Awards ceremony for those who qualify. 5.Use recently retired staff to develop networking and help establish the Association in the region.

10. North West Workshop – Findings - Structure Association of Democratic Services Officers 1.Branch AGM to be run as a one day seminar. 2.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.

11. END OF PART ONE! Any questions/ comments/ thoughts? 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