Hybrid Monitoring Officer Conference

Traditionally the guardian of good governance, lawful decision making, and high standards of conduct, the Monitoring Officer is increasingly required to cultivate additional skills in an ever-more complex political and financial landscape. This shift in focus for the MO and the need to be able to move effortlessly between a diverse range of roles and responsibilities makes it an increasingly demanding position to hold.

We are delighted to be holding this year’s Monitoring Officer Conference in London, kindly hosted by Trowers & Hamlins. The Conference will include a varied programme of sessions covering some of the most topical and challenging issues facing MOs and those working alongside them.

We are delighted to be joined by Amerdeep Somal, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, who will be delivering the keynote address to open the Conference. Delegates will then hear from Bethan Evans, leading governance trainer and consultant, who will be exploring essential skills for Monitoring Officers, training and personal development. The Conference will also include a session on scrutiny with Ed Hammond, Deputy Chief Executive at the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny, Paul McDermott, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins, and Louis Sebastian, Senior Associate at Trowers & Hamlins, examining how the MO can encourage good scrutiny and work towards helping colleagues overcome the scepticism that can surround scrutiny. 

The Conference will also include a panel session on good governance in decision making and some lessons learned from the Teesworks report with speakers including Philip McCourt, Legal Director at Bevan Brittan, and Daniel Fenwick, Executive Director of Corporate Services and Monitoring Officer at Thurrock Council and former MO at Liverpool City Council. Delegates will also hear from Andrew Burns, Associate Director at CIPFA, who will be discussing effective working relationships between the MO and the section 151 Officer.

Full details of all speakers and a programme will be available shortly.