Getting up to Speed

I attended my first training session today. This was a full day induction to being a District Councillor with an overview of the functions of the district council. It was a joint session for South Norfolk and Broadlands Councillors in the new offices at the Horizon Centre on the Broadland Business Park. We even had a tour of the new building, which is due to come into operation very soon.

We covered the services provided by the district council, and met other councillors and senior staff. I have been on a few induction days in the past and must admit to being very impressed by this one. Maybe not so much the buffet lunch. After a couple of chocolate brownies, I could feel the calorie count souring and decided to stop.

Are you as surprised as me that the Council provides almost 90 different services? It is not just rubbish bins, but planning, business and social support, housing, benefits, food hygiene, taxi and alcohol licenses, green spaces, leisure facilities and much more. It's a complex business.

This was just the first in a comprehensive programme of training for councillors. Some committees require completion of specific training and accreditation. Your Councillors are very well prepared.

Our first district council meeting is to be held on 24 May. That is when the Leader of the Council is elected, and Councillors are appointed to committees. I will let you know what happens to me.