Hosting the Sheriff of Nottingham

If the Sheriff has agreed to attend your event, there are a number of rules and protocols that need to be followed. This page details what you will need to consider when hosting the Sheriff.

• Addressing the Sheriff
• Sheriff's Lady or Consort
• Precedence
• Arrival
• Commercial Appearances
• Speeches
• Form of Dress

Addressing and Introducing the Sheriff

The correct form of address for the Sheriff is 'The Sheriff of Nottingham'.

Sheriff's Lady or Consort

The role of the Sheriff's Lady or Consort is to support the Sheriff during their year of office.

Precedence

The Sheriff of Nottingham holds an 'ambassadorial' role to promote the city and county with no legal, social or Royal precedence.

Arrival

The Sheriff should be met and officially welcomed by one of the event organisers. It is suggested that if you require the Sheriff to carry out a specific duty (ie Ribbon Cutting, Declaring an event/shop open) they should arrive 10 minutes before to be briefed, however it is not considered good practice to invite the Sheriff too early to an event which means they will be waiting around. It is essential that a nominated person meets and accompanies the Sheriff throughout their visit and escorts them back to the vehicle at the end of the event - please provide name and contact details of the person on the form.

The Sheriff has many engagements so could you please state a 'free to leave' time. This is important information for the Sheriff and enables them to fit other engagements into their diary.

Speeches

If the Sheriff is to make a speech it should normally be limited to 3 minutes. Please note if you want the Sheriff to make a speech you MUST provide a draft speech at least five days before the event to give the Sheriff and the Civic Officer time to look at it.

Form of Dress

Day Wear is the standard dress code for the Sheriff and for the Sheriff's Consort and this is worn for most types of engagements with the Civic Chain. Please note on the form any special clothing requirements i.e. if the event is taking place outside and coats are required or flat shoes. If you feel Civic Robes are appropriate to your event, then please note this on the form and it will be decided at the discretion of the Civic Office.  

Commercial Appearances

The Sheriff is pleased to assist in the opening of new business premises or be present at the launch of a new business project. 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 Charity" and please send them to the Civic Office