Useful information if you have invited the Lord Mayor to a function

The correct form of address for the Lord Mayor is “The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Gul Nawaz Khan.”

Lady Mayoress

The role of the Lady Mayoress is to support the Lord Mayor during their year of office. The Lady Mayoress can be a female relative of the Lord Mayor; the role does not have to be filled by his wife. Where the Lord Mayor is a female Councillor the role of Lady Mayoress becomes one of consort.

The correct form of address for the Lady Mayoress is "The Lady Mayoress, Neghat Khan."

Precedence

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972 Section 3(4), as long as Her Majesty’s Royal prerogative is not prejudiced, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham shall have precedence in his/her own city. The Lord Mayor, during his/her term of office remains impartial and is unable to attend or become involved in any political or contentious matters

It is important to remember that when you invite a Civic Dignitary to attend an event, they have a role to perform and there is a purpose to their visit, such as declaring a building open/presenting prizes etc.

Arrival

The Lord Mayor (and Lady Mayoress) should arrive 10 minutes before the start of the event, unless they are to take part in a pre-reception.

The Lord Mayor should be met and officially welcomed at a function by senior members of the organising body. It is essential that the organiser of the event (or nominated person) accompanies the Civic Dignitary for the entire duration of the event.

The correct title for introducing/announcing the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress is ‘The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Gul Nawaz Khan’ and ‘the Lady Mayoress’. After initial introductions it is correct to refer to them as ‘Lord Mayor’, and ‘Lady Mayoress’.  

Commercial Appearances

The Lord Mayor is pleased to assist in the opening of new commercial premises or be present at the launch of new commercial enterprises. The expectation is that a donation of a minimum of £50 is made towards The Lord Mayor's Charities. Cheques should be made out to "The Lord Mayor's Charities" and not to a specific charity.

Seating Plans

The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of Nottingham and should always be on the right hand side of the host/chairperson as the appropriate place of honour, and the Lady Mayoress on the left of the host/chairperson. The only exception to this would be if the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire was present in his official capacity as the Queen’s representative, or a member of the Royal family were present. In which case, they would be given precedence over the Lord Mayor. When the Deputy Lord Mayor is representing the Lord Mayor, the same precedence which is offered to the Lord Mayor should also be given to him/her.

Speeches

If the Lord Mayor is to make a speech or reply to a toast, it would be appreciated if a draft speech could be provided along with any additional information about the body organising the event, an agenda or programme, toast list and any points you would wish to be referred to.

Form of Dress

The following is provided for guidance:-

(a)Morning Suit is the standard dress code for the Lord Mayor and is worn for most types of engagements with the exception of those mentioned in (b);

(b)Dinner Jacket/Long Dress or short cocktail dress is usual for Civic Dinners, Balls and Dinner Dances;

Official Robes are worn by the Lord Mayor for Royal Visits, Civic Services, and other Civic Ceremonial events.

N.B In most cases the form of dress will be morning suit with Chain of Office.  

If you want further guidance on any of these matters please contact Louise Butler using the details below:  

Email:louise.butler@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Telephone number:0115 915 5230

Address: Civic Office, Council House, Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT.