New qualifications in Democratic Services

1. New qualifications in Democratic Services Sue Keogh, South East Employers Mark Towers, Blackpool Council 14th October 2009 Association of Democratic Services Officers

2. Background to new qualifications New qualifications: • Developed with practitioners • Sector wanted a robust professional qualification • Based on the new National Occupational Standards • Endorsed by the Open University and is formally accredited (on the Qualifications and Credit Framework) • Will be offered on a national basis by ADSO through SEE Association of Democratic Services Officers

3. New qualifications • 3 qualifications: - Democratic Services Award - Democratic Services Certificate - Democratic Services Diploma • Awarded by Open University awarding body • Existing NVQs will continue to be recognised • Current NVQ candidates can transfer to new qualification Association of Democratic Services Officers

4. The Knowledge Award • 7 Knowledge and Understanding Modules ‘tested’ by a marked assignment + professional discussion on assignment • Module 1 - The structure and functions of local government in England • Module 2 - The legal framework of local government in England • Module 3 - The role of elected members and officers in local government in England • Module 4 - Executive and the role of Council in local government in England • Module 5 – The role of Scrutiny in local government in England • Module 6 - Community governance in local government in England • Module 7 - Understanding your own Authority Association of Democratic Services Officers

5. Example assignment • Describe the different roles and functions of the Executive (Cabinet) and full Council within your Authority. • Please give practical examples of each of the above to show an understanding of your knowledge in these areas. Please also compare and contrast between the Executive (Cabinet) and Council, where possible • Please limit your assignment to no more than 3,000 words (about 5 to 6 pages of typed A4). Association of Democratic Services Officers

6. The Democratic Services Certificate (1) • Involves Knowledge & Understanding element plus ‘practice’ modules • Gaining evidence of competence in workplace by: • Observing learner in the workplace • Personal reflective written statement by learner • Products of work (e-mails, reports, minutes etc) • Oral presentation of activities by learner • Questioning/ discussing events Association of Democratic Services Officers

7. The Democratic Services Certificate (2) 3 mandatory practice modules: • Module 8 – Behaving professionally in a democratic environment • Module 9 – Working Relationships in Local Government • Module 10 – Organising and co-ordinating events Association of Democratic Services Officers

8. The Democratic Services Certificate (3) Optional practice modules (minimum of 8 credits) • Module 11a - Managing and supporting meetings (5 credits) • Module 11b – Presenting and advising effectively in a democratic environment (2 credits) • Module 11c - Planning and implementing scrutiny activities (6 credits) • Module 11d – Researching, analysing and reporting information (2 credits) • Module 11e – Supporting elected members casework (2 credits) • Module 11f – Supporting the development of Elected members (2 credits) • Module 11g – Managing and publishing information (2 credits) • Module 11h - Supporting the Civic Office (or Chairman of an authority) (3 credits) Association of Democratic Services Officers

9. The Democratic Services Professional Diploma • To be available from April 2010 • Further details are still to be finalised, but a brief summary is given below. • Learners will be experienced Democratic Services Officers who possess an in-depth knowledge of the main democratic functions • Opportunity to expand that knowledge and understanding • Undertake a substantive piece of work in a specialist area ( e.g. meetings support, overview and scrutiny, member services etc). • Opportunity to work with other Councils, agencies etc in gathering evidence Association of Democratic Services Officers

10. Assessment Structure Candidates Workplace Mentors Regional Advisers ADSO Assessment and Development Centre Association of Democratic Services Officers

11. Becoming a Regional Adviser • Launch cohort for Advisers and candidates from 14 October (North and South) • Advisers will need to: - be occupationally competent - undertake A1 qualification - have minimum of 2 candidates (undertaking the Certificate) Association of Democratic Services Officers

12. Becoming a Regional Adviser • ENTO will provide A1 qualification on behalf of ADSO • Takes approximately 6 months to complete • 3 days training plus sessions at your own authority • Starts November 2009 (North & South workshops) • Cost = £600 (can be recouped through work as Adviser) Association of Democratic Services Officers

13. Candidates • Certificate costs for candidates are £1,400 (ADSO member), £1,650 (non-ADSO member) • Candidates being assessed by Regional Adviser from own authority, costs are reduced to £700 (ADSO member), £900 (non-ADSO member) • 6 months for Award and 12 months for Certificate • Note: Regional Advisers will receive £600 for assessing candidates from other authorities Association of Democratic Services Officers

14. Next Steps • Expressions of interest from current and potential new Advisers • Recruit candidates for launch cohort(s) • Train new Advisers • Carry out regional induction sessions Association of Democratic Services Officers

15. Any questions? Association of Democratic Services Officers