ADSO
@adso-uk.bsky.social
We’re the Association of Democratic Services Officers. ADSO is a community of over 1,500 people who work in local democracy roles in councils and other organisations - and we’re growing from strength to strength. www.adso.co.uk
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ADSO
@adso-uk.bsky.social
· Sep 29
Hello 👋. We’re the Association of Democratic Services Officers, a community of over 1,500 people who work in local democracy roles in councils and other organisations. We'd love to connect with our members, partner organisations & anyone who is interested in local democracy.
📘 We're working with our wonderful partners to bring you more learning opportunities. You can get a 10% discount for the LGiU's Practical Project Management course on 12 March 2026. Open this week’s ADSO Democracy Matters email to get your discount code.
Course info 👉
https://ow.ly/8nWf50Yh0sR
Course info 👉
https://ow.ly/8nWf50Yh0sR
February 17, 2026 at 2:50 PM
📘 We're working with our wonderful partners to bring you more learning opportunities. You can get a 10% discount for the LGiU's Practical Project Management course on 12 March 2026. Open this week’s ADSO Democracy Matters email to get your discount code.
Course info 👉
https://ow.ly/8nWf50Yh0sR
Course info 👉
https://ow.ly/8nWf50Yh0sR
Reposted by ADSO
🎯 Want to take charge of your career? You can apply now to join the first cohort of ‘Become Your Own Career Coach’. Through workshops, peer learning and online resources we’ll help you to focus on what matters most for you, your role and your future.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
February 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
🎯 Want to take charge of your career? You can apply now to join the first cohort of ‘Become Your Own Career Coach’. Through workshops, peer learning and online resources we’ll help you to focus on what matters most for you, your role and your future.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
Looking for a new role in local democracy? Jobs available now:
✅ Warwickshire
✅ Southend-on-Sea
✅ Runnymede
✅ Castle Point & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/Xp8X50YgyQw
✅ Warwickshire
✅ Southend-on-Sea
✅ Runnymede
✅ Castle Point & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/Xp8X50YgyQw
February 16, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Looking for a new role in local democracy? Jobs available now:
✅ Warwickshire
✅ Southend-on-Sea
✅ Runnymede
✅ Castle Point & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/Xp8X50YgyQw
✅ Warwickshire
✅ Southend-on-Sea
✅ Runnymede
✅ Castle Point & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/Xp8X50YgyQw
📗 ADSO Training courses: Ethics & Standards, Working in a Political Environment, Becoming a DSO & more.
Our workshops include presentations, case studies and smaller group working, where you can learn with other participants from across the country.
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/vTaQ50Yevpx
Our workshops include presentations, case studies and smaller group working, where you can learn with other participants from across the country.
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/vTaQ50Yevpx
February 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM
📗 ADSO Training courses: Ethics & Standards, Working in a Political Environment, Becoming a DSO & more.
Our workshops include presentations, case studies and smaller group working, where you can learn with other participants from across the country.
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/vTaQ50Yevpx
Our workshops include presentations, case studies and smaller group working, where you can learn with other participants from across the country.
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/vTaQ50Yevpx
🟣 Join in our #IWD2026 discussion for ADSO members.
📅 Thurs 5 Mar
🕤 12.30-2pm
💻 via Teams
Hear from ADSO's first female Vice Chair, Katherine Harclerode and Laura Williams, Service Director at Sandwell Council. And talk with your peers about the #GiveToGain theme.
👉 https://ow.ly/wisU50YclLp
📅 Thurs 5 Mar
🕤 12.30-2pm
💻 via Teams
Hear from ADSO's first female Vice Chair, Katherine Harclerode and Laura Williams, Service Director at Sandwell Council. And talk with your peers about the #GiveToGain theme.
👉 https://ow.ly/wisU50YclLp
February 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM
🟣 Join in our #IWD2026 discussion for ADSO members.
📅 Thurs 5 Mar
🕤 12.30-2pm
💻 via Teams
Hear from ADSO's first female Vice Chair, Katherine Harclerode and Laura Williams, Service Director at Sandwell Council. And talk with your peers about the #GiveToGain theme.
👉 https://ow.ly/wisU50YclLp
📅 Thurs 5 Mar
🕤 12.30-2pm
💻 via Teams
Hear from ADSO's first female Vice Chair, Katherine Harclerode and Laura Williams, Service Director at Sandwell Council. And talk with your peers about the #GiveToGain theme.
👉 https://ow.ly/wisU50YclLp
We’re beginning an exciting review of our ADSO Qualifications. 🌱
Chloe Ashworth, our Qualifications Manager, shares why we’re reviewing our qualifications now, what we hope to achieve for our members & why it’s important to us that you can get involved.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/SXpv50YcbIh
Chloe Ashworth, our Qualifications Manager, shares why we’re reviewing our qualifications now, what we hope to achieve for our members & why it’s important to us that you can get involved.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/SXpv50YcbIh
February 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
We’re beginning an exciting review of our ADSO Qualifications. 🌱
Chloe Ashworth, our Qualifications Manager, shares why we’re reviewing our qualifications now, what we hope to achieve for our members & why it’s important to us that you can get involved.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/SXpv50YcbIh
Chloe Ashworth, our Qualifications Manager, shares why we’re reviewing our qualifications now, what we hope to achieve for our members & why it’s important to us that you can get involved.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/SXpv50YcbIh
🎙️What does your Constitution say about your organisation’s relationship with citizens? In Episode 3 of Democracy Conversations, we explore citizen participation & local democracy with Tim Hughes from the Open Government Partnership.
▶️ 🎙📖 Watch, listen or read
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
▶️ 🎙📖 Watch, listen or read
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
February 10, 2026 at 11:16 AM
🎙️What does your Constitution say about your organisation’s relationship with citizens? In Episode 3 of Democracy Conversations, we explore citizen participation & local democracy with Tim Hughes from the Open Government Partnership.
▶️ 🎙📖 Watch, listen or read
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
▶️ 🎙📖 Watch, listen or read
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
📗 ADSO Training course: Becoming a DSO
This introductory workshop is designed to give you some essential learning for your new role. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters.
📅 12 March 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 12.30pm
💻 via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/BvkH50Y8Vv3
This introductory workshop is designed to give you some essential learning for your new role. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters.
📅 12 March 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 12.30pm
💻 via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/BvkH50Y8Vv3
February 9, 2026 at 9:20 AM
📗 ADSO Training course: Becoming a DSO
This introductory workshop is designed to give you some essential learning for your new role. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters.
📅 12 March 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 12.30pm
💻 via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/BvkH50Y8Vv3
This introductory workshop is designed to give you some essential learning for your new role. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters.
📅 12 March 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 12.30pm
💻 via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/BvkH50Y8Vv3
🎯 Want to take charge of your career? You can apply now to join the first cohort of ‘Become Your Own Career Coach’. Through workshops, peer learning and online resources we’ll help you to focus on what matters most for you, your role and your future.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
February 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
🎯 Want to take charge of your career? You can apply now to join the first cohort of ‘Become Your Own Career Coach’. Through workshops, peer learning and online resources we’ll help you to focus on what matters most for you, your role and your future.
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
Find out more 👉
https://ow.ly/qO1O50Y7Hjl
📗 ADSO Training course: Working in a Political Environment.
If you want to work more effectively with councillors in your democratic services role, this training course can help.
📅 10 & 17 March 2026
⏰ 3 hours per session
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/PlVq50Y5580
If you want to work more effectively with councillors in your democratic services role, this training course can help.
📅 10 & 17 March 2026
⏰ 3 hours per session
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/PlVq50Y5580
February 3, 2026 at 4:01 PM
📗 ADSO Training course: Working in a Political Environment.
If you want to work more effectively with councillors in your democratic services role, this training course can help.
📅 10 & 17 March 2026
⏰ 3 hours per session
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/PlVq50Y5580
If you want to work more effectively with councillors in your democratic services role, this training course can help.
📅 10 & 17 March 2026
⏰ 3 hours per session
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/PlVq50Y5580
Looking for a new role in local democracy? Jobs available now:
✅ Braintree
✅ North Northamptonshire
✅ Lewisham
✅ Lincoln & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/HMnl50Y6hGy
✅ Braintree
✅ North Northamptonshire
✅ Lewisham
✅ Lincoln & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/HMnl50Y6hGy
February 2, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Looking for a new role in local democracy? Jobs available now:
✅ Braintree
✅ North Northamptonshire
✅ Lewisham
✅ Lincoln & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/HMnl50Y6hGy
✅ Braintree
✅ North Northamptonshire
✅ Lewisham
✅ Lincoln & more…
See all our current vacancies: https://ow.ly/HMnl50Y6hGy
📗 ADSO Training course: Ethics and Standards
Ideal for DSOs who want to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate & for anyone who would like a refresher.
📅 25 Feb & 4 Mar 2026
⏰ 3 hours each day
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/KmMq50Y4Wc2
Ideal for DSOs who want to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate & for anyone who would like a refresher.
📅 25 Feb & 4 Mar 2026
⏰ 3 hours each day
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/KmMq50Y4Wc2
January 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
📗 ADSO Training course: Ethics and Standards
Ideal for DSOs who want to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate & for anyone who would like a refresher.
📅 25 Feb & 4 Mar 2026
⏰ 3 hours each day
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/KmMq50Y4Wc2
Ideal for DSOs who want to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate & for anyone who would like a refresher.
📅 25 Feb & 4 Mar 2026
⏰ 3 hours each day
💻 Online via Zoom
Book your place 👉
https://ow.ly/KmMq50Y4Wc2
🎙️What does it take for citizen participation to really take root within the work of an organisation?
We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 3 of Democracy Conversations, with the wonderful Tim Hughes, Democracy & Participation Lead at the Open Government Partnership.
▶️ www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 3 of Democracy Conversations, with the wonderful Tim Hughes, Democracy & Participation Lead at the Open Government Partnership.
▶️ www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
January 29, 2026 at 2:03 PM
🎙️What does it take for citizen participation to really take root within the work of an organisation?
We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 3 of Democracy Conversations, with the wonderful Tim Hughes, Democracy & Participation Lead at the Open Government Partnership.
▶️ www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 3 of Democracy Conversations, with the wonderful Tim Hughes, Democracy & Participation Lead at the Open Government Partnership.
▶️ www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
▶️ Webinar: State of the Association 2026.
Join Peter Sass, Chair of ADSO and Katherine Harclerode, our Vice Chair, for an overview of what ADSO is achieving for our members. You can also tell us how we can best support you in 2026.
📅 Weds 11 Feb 2026
🕤 11am to 12 noon
👉 https://ow.ly/xsmh50Y4Tt9
Join Peter Sass, Chair of ADSO and Katherine Harclerode, our Vice Chair, for an overview of what ADSO is achieving for our members. You can also tell us how we can best support you in 2026.
📅 Weds 11 Feb 2026
🕤 11am to 12 noon
👉 https://ow.ly/xsmh50Y4Tt9
January 28, 2026 at 3:38 PM
▶️ Webinar: State of the Association 2026.
Join Peter Sass, Chair of ADSO and Katherine Harclerode, our Vice Chair, for an overview of what ADSO is achieving for our members. You can also tell us how we can best support you in 2026.
📅 Weds 11 Feb 2026
🕤 11am to 12 noon
👉 https://ow.ly/xsmh50Y4Tt9
Join Peter Sass, Chair of ADSO and Katherine Harclerode, our Vice Chair, for an overview of what ADSO is achieving for our members. You can also tell us how we can best support you in 2026.
📅 Weds 11 Feb 2026
🕤 11am to 12 noon
👉 https://ow.ly/xsmh50Y4Tt9
Take part in our Wellbeing survey to help us learn more about your experiences and how we can help. 💜
We're keen to understand more about whether our ADSO members experience abuse or harassment at work, how this affects your wellbeing, and how we can help.
Take part 👉
https://ow.ly/pCwx50Y0zuz
We're keen to understand more about whether our ADSO members experience abuse or harassment at work, how this affects your wellbeing, and how we can help.
Take part 👉
https://ow.ly/pCwx50Y0zuz
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Take part in our Wellbeing survey to help us learn more about your experiences and how we can help. 💜
We're keen to understand more about whether our ADSO members experience abuse or harassment at work, how this affects your wellbeing, and how we can help.
Take part 👉
https://ow.ly/pCwx50Y0zuz
We're keen to understand more about whether our ADSO members experience abuse or harassment at work, how this affects your wellbeing, and how we can help.
Take part 👉
https://ow.ly/pCwx50Y0zuz
Our first Rising Star Award winner, Joshua Mann, has shared some reflections about growing a career in Democratic Services. 🌱
Joshua told us about the importance of transferable skills, what he loves about being a DSO, his positive approach & more...
Read Joshua’s blog 👉
https://ow.ly/8pSu50Y0yZn
Joshua told us about the importance of transferable skills, what he loves about being a DSO, his positive approach & more...
Read Joshua’s blog 👉
https://ow.ly/8pSu50Y0yZn
January 22, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Our first Rising Star Award winner, Joshua Mann, has shared some reflections about growing a career in Democratic Services. 🌱
Joshua told us about the importance of transferable skills, what he loves about being a DSO, his positive approach & more...
Read Joshua’s blog 👉
https://ow.ly/8pSu50Y0yZn
Joshua told us about the importance of transferable skills, what he loves about being a DSO, his positive approach & more...
Read Joshua’s blog 👉
https://ow.ly/8pSu50Y0yZn
🎙️How do new forms of citizen engagement and participation connect with the work of our councillors?
In Episode 2 of Democracy Conversations we talked with the team at Test Valley Council about their evolving approach to citizen engagement.
▶️ Watch, listen or read:
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
In Episode 2 of Democracy Conversations we talked with the team at Test Valley Council about their evolving approach to citizen engagement.
▶️ Watch, listen or read:
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
January 20, 2026 at 1:33 PM
🎙️How do new forms of citizen engagement and participation connect with the work of our councillors?
In Episode 2 of Democracy Conversations we talked with the team at Test Valley Council about their evolving approach to citizen engagement.
▶️ Watch, listen or read:
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
In Episode 2 of Democracy Conversations we talked with the team at Test Valley Council about their evolving approach to citizen engagement.
▶️ Watch, listen or read:
www.adso.co.uk/democracy-co...
Reposted by ADSO
💬 Join our ADSO focus groups to talk about how councillor expectations are changing & what this means for our work. If you support councillors in your role, please join us to share your experiences & help influence the future of democratic services
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
January 8, 2026 at 1:45 PM
💬 Join our ADSO focus groups to talk about how councillor expectations are changing & what this means for our work. If you support councillors in your role, please join us to share your experiences & help influence the future of democratic services
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
Looking for advice about working with new administrations? Worried about the impact of having a significant turnover of councillors at an election? Wondering how best to support newly elected councillors who have no previous experience of local government?
Learn more 👉
https://ow.ly/jJqV50XWEfF
Learn more 👉
https://ow.ly/jJqV50XWEfF
January 16, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Looking for advice about working with new administrations? Worried about the impact of having a significant turnover of councillors at an election? Wondering how best to support newly elected councillors who have no previous experience of local government?
Learn more 👉
https://ow.ly/jJqV50XWEfF
Learn more 👉
https://ow.ly/jJqV50XWEfF
ADSO members can enter our prize draw this January for a chance to win a free place on an ADSO training course of your choice.📚
The prize has been kindly donated by James McLaughlin. Open this week’s ADSO Democracy Matters newsletter for more details and your chance to win. Good luck 🍀
The prize has been kindly donated by James McLaughlin. Open this week’s ADSO Democracy Matters newsletter for more details and your chance to win. Good luck 🍀
January 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM
ADSO members can enter our prize draw this January for a chance to win a free place on an ADSO training course of your choice.📚
The prize has been kindly donated by James McLaughlin. Open this week’s ADSO Democracy Matters newsletter for more details and your chance to win. Good luck 🍀
The prize has been kindly donated by James McLaughlin. Open this week’s ADSO Democracy Matters newsletter for more details and your chance to win. Good luck 🍀
Here’s a quick summary of some of our recent ADSO Board highlights and activities from the ADSO team. We’ve included some highlights from our most recent ADSO Activity Report, which our Chief Executive presented at our ADSO Board meeting on 9 January.
Read our highlights 👉
https://ow.ly/45AG50XWBTS
Read our highlights 👉
https://ow.ly/45AG50XWBTS
January 14, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Here’s a quick summary of some of our recent ADSO Board highlights and activities from the ADSO team. We’ve included some highlights from our most recent ADSO Activity Report, which our Chief Executive presented at our ADSO Board meeting on 9 January.
Read our highlights 👉
https://ow.ly/45AG50XWBTS
Read our highlights 👉
https://ow.ly/45AG50XWBTS
🛡️ We provide a free Standards Advice Line, open to all our ADSO members & there whenever you need it. Advice includes: Code of Conduct issues, Councillor complaints and wider standards issues.
Access our advice line 👉
https://ow.ly/ZWlY50XV5CR
🔒 ADSO member login required
Access our advice line 👉
https://ow.ly/ZWlY50XV5CR
🔒 ADSO member login required
January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM
🛡️ We provide a free Standards Advice Line, open to all our ADSO members & there whenever you need it. Advice includes: Code of Conduct issues, Councillor complaints and wider standards issues.
Access our advice line 👉
https://ow.ly/ZWlY50XV5CR
🔒 ADSO member login required
Access our advice line 👉
https://ow.ly/ZWlY50XV5CR
🔒 ADSO member login required
💬 Join our ADSO focus groups to talk about how councillor expectations are changing & what this means for our work. If you support councillors in your role, please join us to share your experiences & help influence the future of democratic services
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
January 8, 2026 at 1:45 PM
💬 Join our ADSO focus groups to talk about how councillor expectations are changing & what this means for our work. If you support councillors in your role, please join us to share your experiences & help influence the future of democratic services
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
Find out more & register
https://ow.ly/bRsZ50XTnkK
✅ Join our ADSO Board: Nominations are open for our Company Secretary role.
This is an opportunity for you to make a significant contribution to a key role in our organisation, as part of the ADSO Board.
Find out more about the role 👉
https://ow.ly/6TeG50XSPAO
⏰ Closing date: 23 Jan at 4pm
This is an opportunity for you to make a significant contribution to a key role in our organisation, as part of the ADSO Board.
Find out more about the role 👉
https://ow.ly/6TeG50XSPAO
⏰ Closing date: 23 Jan at 4pm
January 7, 2026 at 1:55 PM
✅ Join our ADSO Board: Nominations are open for our Company Secretary role.
This is an opportunity for you to make a significant contribution to a key role in our organisation, as part of the ADSO Board.
Find out more about the role 👉
https://ow.ly/6TeG50XSPAO
⏰ Closing date: 23 Jan at 4pm
This is an opportunity for you to make a significant contribution to a key role in our organisation, as part of the ADSO Board.
Find out more about the role 👉
https://ow.ly/6TeG50XSPAO
⏰ Closing date: 23 Jan at 4pm
Happy New Year to all our ADSO members, partners and friends.
We’re looking forward to supporting you and working with you in 2026.
We’re looking forward to supporting you and working with you in 2026.
January 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Happy New Year to all our ADSO members, partners and friends.
We’re looking forward to supporting you and working with you in 2026.
We’re looking forward to supporting you and working with you in 2026.