Role of the Mayor
The Mayor has several roles. They chair full meetings of Council and represent the Council and local community at formal and ceremonial occasions locally and elsewhere. The Mayor acts as the city’s ambassador at:
- citizenship ceremonies for residents completing the process of becoming a British citizen
- civic ceremonies
- events for charitable and voluntary organisations
- events that recognise the achievements of residents and council staff
- receptions and functions at the civic office for special occasions and for visitors to Derby
- Royal visits.
The Deputy Mayor acts as the Mayor’s representative at all events, including chairing Council, if the Mayor is unavailable.
The Mayor of Derby is non-executive and apolitical
Our Mayors have a non-political and non-executive role. Therefore, their role is very different to directly elected Mayors such as the Mayor of London. The Mayor is a civic head and represents Derby as First Citizen in what is a ceremonial role.
Derby City Council operates Leader and Cabinet style of executive. The Council’s Leader and their Cabinet directs the Council, with scrutiny committees monitoring Cabinet decisions closely. Cabinet Members decide policy and bring their decisions to the full Council.
The Mayor’s job at council meetings is to:
- chair the meetings
- ensure that each agenda item is debated fairly
- ensure people abide by the city's debate rules.
At Council, it is unusual for the Mayor to speak on an issue, as they need to be impartial. However if necessary, they hold the casting vote on closely contested issues.
The Mayor's workload
A Mayor’s workload can vary from year to year. This depends on what happens during their term, their interests and personal circumstances such as if they work, are retired, or have caring commitments. “Engagements” include a mixture of:
- attending citizenship ceremonies for city residents completing the process of becoming British citizens
- attending local community events
- attending performances and concerts
- civic functions for visiting dignitaries such as members of the Royal family
- meetings such as chairing full Council, or charity committee meetings
- opening newly built or renovated buildings
- presenting prizes and awards
- representing the city at events held in other areas
- visits such as to city resident celebrating special wedding anniversaries, or birthdays, schools, hospital wards, residential homes, and day centres at Christmas