New qualifications in Democratic Services

Sue Keogh, South East EmployersMark Towers, Blackpool CouncilSue Keogh, South East EmployersMark Towers, Blackpool Council

Association of Democratic Services Officers

14th October 2009

Background to new qualificationsBackground 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

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

New qualificationsNew 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

The Knowledge AwardThe 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 AuthorityAssociation of Democratic Services Officers

Example assignmentExample 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

The Democratic Services Certificate (1)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

The Democratic Services Certificate (2)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

The Democratic Services Certificate (3)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

The Democratic Services Professional DiplomaThe 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

Assessment StructureAssessment Structure

Association of Democratic Services Officers

Candidates Workplace Mentors

Regional Advisers

ADSO Assessment and Development Centre

Becoming a Regional AdviserBecoming 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

Becoming a Regional AdviserBecoming 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

CandidatesCandidates

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

Association of Democratic Services Officers

Expressions of interest from current and potential new Advisers

Recruit candidates for launch cohort(s) Train new Advisers Carry out regional induction sessions

Next StepsNext Steps

Any questions?Any questions?

Association of Democratic Services Officers