Chairman's Protocol

Introduction

The aim of this information is to assist those organising events that the Chairman of the County Council is to attend.  By reading the advice set out below, we hope that any difficulties will be avoided, and that the function will be a success, both for the Chairman and for you, the organisers.

Precedence

A subject we believe must be addressed in order to achieve this success is precedence.  The following information is designed to give the organiser some assistance in this difficult area.

If Royalty or the Lord Lieutenant or the High Sheriff is present, they take precedence over all other guests, including the Chairman of the County Council. The precedence thereafter of the Chairman of the County Council will depend on the nature and location of the event.  Please seek advice.

If the event is organised by or on behalf of  the County Council, or is hosted by them, or the Chairman of the County Council is guest of honour, the Chairman of the County Council takes precedence over all other guests, including (for example) Peers, MPs, MEPs, a Mayor, and the Chairman of a District Council.

In the case of all other events, the guest of honour, or representative of the host, would take precedence, normally followed by the Chairman of the County Council.

This is a difficult area where offence can easily be given and you are urged to take advice, and once decisions have been taken, to make them clear to the people involved before the event.

Arrival

The Chairman should be received on arrival by the most senior person presiding at the function or event, who should introduce him to the host or the assembled company.

The Event

In the majority of cases, the Chairman should be seated on the immediate right of the host of the event.  The only exceptions are when the Chairman of the County Council occupies 'the chair' and in the absence of Royalty, Lord Lieutenant of the County and the High Sheriff.  We would suggest that the Chairman's consort should be seated either on the immediate left of the host or on the right of the Chairman.  Other visiting dignitaries should then be seated according to precedence.

A common occurrence at a function is the traditional 'Walkabout' and a wise organiser should ensure that the Chairman is accompanied by a senior person of the event.

Speeches and toasts

Of great importance at a function are the Speeches and Toasts, and the guidelines below are a simple explanation of proper procedure.

Speakers should first address the host, then the Chairman of the County Council, in the absence of Royalty, Lord Lieutenant of the County and the High Sheriff, followed by distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, etc.

The first principal Loyal Toast is always "The Queen".

Information for the Chairman

It is of considerable help to the Chairman if the function questionnaire can be sent to the Chairman's Office at the earliest convenient date, but at least one week before your function.

The Chairman would appreciate being informed well in advance if you require him to speak or to take an active part in any ceremony associated with the function.

Contact Details

If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact the Chairman's Personal Assistant at the address below:

Worcestershire County Council
Member Support Unit
County Hall
Spetchley Road
Worcester   WR5 2NP
Tel: (01905) 766650
Email: lbanks@worcestershire.gov.uk