Hammersmith and Fulham Council has updated its constitution to clarify the Mayor's civic role and responsibilities, addressing ambiguities in the previous protocol that lacked clarity on events, protocol, and the Mayor's permissible actions.
The General Purpose Committee met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to review and approve changes to the council's governing documents, as detailed in the Public reports pack. Among the key updates was a revised local protocol for the Mayor and their civic duties.
The updated protocol aims to clearly define the Mayor's responsibilities at civic and ceremonial events, as well as their role as Chair of the Council. It outlines expectations regarding meeting attendance, communication, budgets, and staffing, reinforcing the Mayor's position as the first citizen
of the borough.
Attending Engagements The Mayor is expected to attend civic and ceremonial events and engagements to represent the Council. This includes a wide range of activities such as attending events organised by the Council, local organisations, charities, or businesses across the borough and London, receiving guests on official engagements, and hosting events to support local organisations. Specific types of events include Annual Civic events (Remembrance Sunday, Mayor's reception, Civic service), Community and business events organised by external organisations, Council events, Out of Borough events, and Royal visits.
Budgetary and Staffing Support Mayoral budgets, including allocations for reception and entertainment, will be available for Mayoral and civic events and engagements. Approval of this expenditure will be managed through the Assistant Director – Democratic, Registration and Coroner's Services. The budget is designed to cover events organised and hosted by the Mayor, as well as to meet the cost of tickets where the Mayor is required to purchase them for external events.
Staff in the Mayor's Office play a crucial role in assisting the Mayor with the full delivery of services. They are also available to support the Deputy Mayor, Leader, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Members when they are undertaking Mayoral or civic events or engagements.
Regalia and Induction
David Abbott, the representing officer, explained that the protocol will serve as an induction document for new Mayors, providing clear guidance on their role and the use of council facilities. The protocol also specifies that the Mayor must wear robed in regalia
on certain occasions. The 'Local Protocol for the Mayor and the Civic Role' document clarifies that The robes and the chain of office are to be worn at all civic events in or out of Borough.
The previous protocol for the Mayor and the civic role was not clear in terms of events, protocol, and what a Mayor can and cannot do. The updated protocol aims to make these aspects clearer and will serve as an induction document for new Mayors.