Some Protocol Tips

These notes must be read prior to the mayoral party attending your engagement

Protocol to be followed at Civic Engagements

It is extremely important that the following points are noted when receiving the mayoral party on a civic engagement

1. The Mayor/Deputy Mayor should always be met, at the agreed place, on arrival at an engagement.
2. The Mayor/Deputy Mayor should always be accompanied throughout their visit and never left on their own.
3. The Mayor/Deputy Mayor should always have all relevant background information about the event (and about the host organisation where appropriate) including an itinerary for the visit if applicable, well before the event (information to be forwarded to the Mayor's Personal Assistant).
4. Where possible, the civic chauffeur accompanies the Mayor/Deputy Mayor throughout at all events. Please ensure that the chauffeur knows where he can park.
5. Verbal address:
   
   The Mayor
   Mister Mayor (male)
   Madam Mayor (female)
   
   The Mayoress/Consort
   Madam Mayoress (female)
   Mister Consort (male)
   
   The Deputy Mayor
   Mister Deputy Mayor (male)
   Madam Deputy Mayor (female)
   
   The Deputy Mayoress/Consort
   Madam Deputy Mayoress (female)
   Mister Deputy Consort (male)
6. The Mayor/Deputy Mayor should always be introduced to other guests.
   
7. There are occasions at events, e.g. at formal concerts, presentations, shows, etc. when the Mayor/Deputy Mayor should be announced into a room and all guests should remain standing until the mayoral party sits down (please contact the Mayor's Secretary for clarification if necessary).
   
   At certain engagements, e.g. at formal concerts, presentations, shows, etc., time should always be allowed for the mayoral party's departure (an announcement may be necessary so others at the event are aware). This is to prevent any unnecessary queues/crowding, etc., which may delay the Mayor/Deputy Mayor attending a following engagement.
   
   Similarly, unnecessary queues/crowding, etc. must also be avoided during functions, e.g. at intervals or when buffets or other refreshments are served. Again, an announcement may be necessary (please contact the Mayor's Secretary for clarification).
   
   When a buffet is being provided at an event, again to avoid unnecessary queues/crowding, etc. it is strongly suggested that the Mayor/Deputy Mayor 'opens' the buffet.
   
8. At a formal event the seat reserved for the Mayor/Deputy Mayor should be on the immediate right and for the Mayoress/Consort or Deputy Mayoress/Consort on the immediate left of the person presiding, and in the middle of the front row at events such as concerts, shows, etc.
   
9. The Mayor/Deputy Mayor should always arrive last at engagements held in North East Lincolnshire so please time events correctly.
   
10. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, the Mayor (as first citizen) shall have precedence in the Borough of North East Lincolnshire on all occasions except when a Royal or a representative of the Queen is present.
    
11. It should be remembered that the Mayor is the first citizen of North East Lincolnshire and the Deputy Mayor, when representing the Mayor, acts in a similar capacity.
    
12. It should be remembered that the position of Mayor is non-political and should not give prominence to any one party political group, and should always be respected as such, i.e. please do not cause embarrassment at functions by approaching the Mayor to discuss political topics or to lobby the Mayor - the Mayor's role is purely ceremonial. Issues of concern should be referred to the Council or your Ward Councillor.

Karen Weir, Personal Assistant to the Mayor
of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Town Hall, Grimsby, DN31 1HX  
Telephone 01472 324193
E-Mail Address : customerrequests@nelincs.gov.uk