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.

The Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) have published a new report, which likens the way UK elections work as trying to operate in the 21st century using 19th century infrastructure.

This is a tough one on the back of David Johansen last week. RIP Brian James, without doubt the finest guitarist I have had the pleasure of seeing. I’ll never forget meeting him backstage after the Lords of the New Church gig at Huddersfield Poly in the 1980s.

So sad. The last of the lipstick killers. A massive part of my youth and musical upbringing 🙏

If ever needed, we’ve just had a timely reminder that all bullies are cowards.

Key resources from my #Notwestminster talk: how to find your town/parish council mapit.mysociety.org to get involved and support it, and what to do if you find you haven’t got one www.nalc.gov.uk/campaigns/cr... !

An interesting and inspiring day at this years #notwestminster

Another great day yesterday in Huddersfield celebrating local participatory democracy and citizen agency at the 10th #notwestminster conference. Great to see everyone and thank you @notwestminster.bsky.social and Diane for your great efforts in making it a consistent success!

We believe it’s time for a participatory society, where people have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. 🤝 That’s why we’re proud to join #DoWith, calling for a shift in the public sector from ‘doing to’ towards ‘doing with’. Read more and join our event 👇 https://buff.ly/3E0yDCG

It’s been a while. 3 points for Christmas works for me #sufc

What a road trip to Berlin with Mr Bundy to se the wonderful Virginmarys. Memories that will last a lifetime

Wir sind zwei Berliner

A day of adventure begins #Berlin

Hello Berlin

Hello Berlin

Counting the days until the ultimate road trip to see The Virginmarys #properband open.spotify.com/track/155tIa...

Big news today in #localgov land: the govt has announced a policy statement on the future of local govt funding. The long delayed so-called “fair funding review” is back- a new consultation will look at a system which “matches funding with need”… www.gov.uk/government/n...

If you care about local democracy and are hopeful for the future please join us on 15 February. Sign up to attend or pitch a workshop or lightning talk. We’d love you to get involved. #notwestminser #democracy #localdemocracy #citizens notinwestminster.wordpress.com

What a crazy shame. Saw them earlier in the year when they played Leeds. Outstanding

@jonathanflowers.bsky.social @curiousc.bsky.social @cfgs.bsky.social @se13ed.bsky.social @symroe.bsky.social @demsoc.org @anthonyzach.be

Yesterday we launched our first Working in a Modern Democracy report at the ADSO Conference. Please share. #democracy #localdemocracy #localgov #councillors www.adso.co.uk/moderndemocr...

"What matters most is the opportunities that we can grasp by doing things differently" Vale of Glamorgan Council's Chief Executive Rob Thomas tells us about the council’s deepening partnership approach, why the county has been named the UK's 7th best place to visit ➕ more. https://buff.ly/4g6na22

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"Wealth begets wealth, and the children of the very wealthy don't just inherit more... they will also earn more and have better life chances" says @tom-clark.bsky.social. Read his new report here: www.ippr.org/article...

Join us for a 10th anniversary special. NOTWESTMINSTER RETURNS on 15th February 2025. 🕺💃💚 The theme is Connected by Hope. Tickets and sponsorship packs are available on the website now 👇👇👇👇 notinwestminster.wordpress.com @72prufrocks.bsky.social