Qualifications in Democratic Services

The current qualifications in Democratic Services are based on a set of National Occupational Standards (NOS). These were developed by Democratic Services staff and managers across the UK. They can also be used as part of the recruitment and induction process for staff working in Democratic Services.

Download a copy of these standards PDF 689Kb.

 

Staff may already be well qualified academically but they do not necessarily have the skills and knowledge specific to Democratic Services. Achieving a sector specific qualification confirms they are able to do the job to the standard expected by their employer and the wider community.

Current qualifications

The current qualifications are National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). There are two NVQs for staff working in Democratic Services, both awarded by the Open University Awarding Body.

  • Level 3 NVQ is designed for Committee Administrators and member support staff who may be relatively new to their posts and have fairly limited responsibilities.
  • Level 4 NVQ has been designed for more experienced Committee Administrators and Senior Practitioners with some management responsibilities.

New qualifications

A new qualification has been developed by the Standards and Qualification Group for Democratic Services. Feedback has shown that the sector would prefer a qualification which is more knowledge based and less bureaucratic than the previous NVQ.There is now an Award , a Certificate at Level 4 and the Diploma at Level 6.

  • The Award in Understanding Democratic Services PDF 98Kbis a knowledge and understanding qualification. which consists of 6 modules.
  • The Certificate in Democratic Services Practice PDF 98Kb consists of two elements - the six knowledge and understanding elements( from the award) as well as workplace or 'practice' modules.
  • The Diploma PDF 326Kb is a different qualification to the Certificate and would normally attract a more experienced Democracy Support Officer. Consequently the qualification will be offered at level 6, on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. This will be equivalent to a Bachelors degree

There are over 90 learners working towards the new qualifications.

 

SEE is the accredited Assessment Centre for the new qualifications managing the qualifications on behalf of the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO)

The cost of the Certificate is £1475 + VAT for ADSO members and £1650 +VAT for non ADSO members with a reduction to £800 + VAT if the learner has an in-house adviser -:

The cost of the Diploma is £975 per year for 2 years or £1825 for a one off payment for ADSO members and £1050 per year for 2 years, or £2000 for a one off payment.

This includes registration and certification, induction, all materials, support visits and networking meetings plus telephone and email support.

 

For further information, please visit the ADSO website(www.adso.co.uk) or contact Sue Keogh, SEE

View other opportunities within Democratic Services.