The Chairman of Hampshire County Council is the civic and ceremonial head of the Authority and represents the County Council at a variety of events and functions in Hampshire organised by businesses, churches, local district and borough authorities and many other organisations throughout the County.  The Chairman also attends events which are organised by County Council Departments, such as opening of community homes, schools, youth clubs and museum exhibitions, etc.  The Chairman is ambassadorial, "flying the flag" for Hampshire both within the County and, at times, in neighbouring authorities.  The Chairman is the "first citizen" of the County of Hampshire.

Ceremonial duties include:

Being the politically impartial, neutral and non-executive civic and ceremonial head of the County Council

Promoting the interests and the reputation of the County Council and Hampshire and acting as an ambassador for both.

Carrying out civic, community and ceremonial activities and fostering community identity and pride.

Additional responsibilities include:

Presiding over meetings of Full Council to ensure that its' business is carried out fairly and efficiently and to ensure that the meeting is conducted in accordance with Standing Orders of the Council, set out in the Rules of Procedure in Part 3 of the Constitution.

Ensuring that the Full Council meeting debates matters that concern the local community.

To uphold the Constitution.

To promote public involvement in the Council's activities.

To promote the Council's corporate strategy.

Specifically, the Chairman will take precedence (a) during Royal Visits to the County, (b) at events organised by Hampshire County Council or (c) when on Hampshire County Council owned property.  However, at events organised within one of the Hampshire Districts or Boroughs, and the event does not conform with (a), (b) or (c), the Mayor or Chairman of that District or Borough will take precedence.

It would be appreciated if the Chairman is met on arrival and escorted throughout the function.

The Chairman should be seated on the immediate right of the person presiding.

In conversation, the Chairman should be addressed as "Chairman".

The preamble for speeches (unless a member of the Royal Family or the Lord-Lieutenant or local Hampshire District/Borough Mayor/Chairman is present) is, "Chairman, Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen".

How to invite the Chairman of the County Council to an event or function:

If you wish to invite the Chairman to attend an event, in the first instance, please send an invitation to:-

The Chairman's Office
Serle's House
Gar Street
Winchester
Hampshire SO23 8GQ

Please do not contact the Chairman direct or send correspondence to his/her home address.  All communication should come through the Chairman's Personal Assistant at Serle's House.

The Chairman would also find it very useful if you could provide some background information about your organisation.  This is especially important if you wish the Chairman to make a speech.  Information that would be helpful:-

When your organisation started.

Your organisation's aims and activities.

Membership.

Achievements.

What do you consider to be special about your organisation?

If you have any queries, please contact the Chairman's Personal Assistant, Mrs Jo Blackwell, using any of the contact details below:-

Telephone 01962 826066
Email chairmanofHCC@hants.gov.uk
Fax 01962 890467

The Chairman's biography will be available shortly.

Past Chairmen of Hampshire County Council

Chairman's Office
Serle's House
Gar Street
Winchester
Hampshire SO23 8GQ

Telephone:01962 826066
Fax: 01962 890467
Email:
chairmanofHCC@hants.gov.uk