Find out about the Mayor of Guildford
Plan your visit from the Mayor or Deputy Mayor
The questions and answers below will help you plan your visit from the Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
How should I introduce the Mayor at a function and how should I address him or her?
✔ When introducing the Mayor at a function, please say: "The Worshipful the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor...
(first name and last name, for example, Sallie Barker)
✔ If the Mayor is accompanied by an official escort just add "and escort, Mr or Mrs...."
✔ In the case of a male Mayor who is accompanied by his Mayoress, just add "and the Mayoress, Mrs....."
✔ Please introduce the Deputy Mayor as "The Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Councillor ...." as with the Mayor.
✔ After the first introduction, the Mayor should be addressed as 'Madam Mayor'. Or in the case of a male Mayor - Mr Mayor, and the Mayoress (where applicable) as Madam Mayoress.
✔ The Deputy Mayor should be addressed as "Madam, or Mr, Deputy Mayor". The Mayor or Deputy Mayor's Escort should simply be referred to by their name.
When does the Mayor attend an event as the First Citizen of the Borough?
The Mayor is the principal guest at any social function in the borough to which he, or she, has been invited as Mayor.
As Mayor they attend as the First Citizen of the Borough and not as a representative of the council.
What time should the Mayor arrive at a function?
The Mayor arrives five to 10 minutes before the start of a function. Unless you have requested otherwise on the bid form/information sheet.
Make sure the Mayor is met by an officer of your organisation. They can escort and introduce the Mayor to the host or guests. It is important that the host is at the event for the whole of the Mayor's visit.
Where should the Mayor be seated?
At a formal dinner, lunch etc, the Mayor traditionally sits on the immediate right of the host. The Mayor sits on the immediate right of the person presiding at a meeting, unless he, or she, is in the Chair.
What happens if the Mayor attends a church service?
At a church service, you must arrange for the Mayor to be met at the entrance to the church. The Mayor is then escorted to the front pew on the right hand side of the centre aisle. The only exception to this practice would be at a funeral service, or other private service. On these occasions, the Mayor would give up his, or her place to the family mourners and take the front pew on the left.
Can we take a photograph of the Mayor?
If you are a voluntary organisation, it is fine to take a photo of the Mayor during your event. Your organisation or club can use the images as you wish.
If a photo is to be used by a commercial organisation, you need prior written consent from the Mayor's office. This includes any reference to the Mayor in any advertising material for a company.
What if a member of the royal family is also attending our event?
The Clerk to the Lieutenancy will advise on protocol. Contact the Mayor's office for guidance by emailing civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.
What if the Deputy Mayor is representing the Mayor?
All the procedures above apply to the Deputy Mayor when attending an event on behalf of the Mayor.
Download a copy of our protocol information leaflet for 2024/25. protocol information (PDF, 216 KB)