OVER the last two weeks, newly elected members of Cornwall Council have been taking part in a thorough and comprehensive induction programme to give them detailed information on how the council works and the roles and duties of a local member.

Members have attended a series of meetings and workshops to meet the corporate leadership team and gain understanding of particular areas of focus and challenge. The induction programme was organised so that members meet with Heads of Service at the earliest opportunity and hear about and put questions to them on the work of all the directorates.

Members were given information on the council's structure including service delivery, area committees and details on how councillors will be supported. It was also an opportunity to meet members of other authorities and new colleagues.

Cornwall Council Chief Executive Kevin Lavery said: "Being a councillor is a rewarding form of public service that puts you in a privileged position where you can make a real difference to the quality of other people's lives and to their communities. However, it is also a demanding job and the council needs to support its newly elected members by giving them the information and contacts they need."