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Welcome to the Guild of Mace-Bearers

Upholding Tradition. Promoting Excellence. Supporting Civic Service.

Group of members of the Guild of Mace-bearers at the annual conference in 2020


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Who are the Guild of Mace-Bearers?

We are a friendly and supportive community of people who share a passion for civic ceremony, protocol and the traditions that make our civic offices so special.

Being a member is about much more than professional knowledge. It is an opportunity to meet colleagues from across the country, share experiences, ask questions, learn from one another and be part of a community that understands the unique work we do.

If you are involved in civic ceremonial and protocol, why not join us? Whether you are experienced in the role or just beginning your civic journey, you will find a warm welcome and a wealth of knowledge and experience within the Guild.

If you are just visiting, we hope you enjoy discovering more about us.

If you are already a member, please log in and make the most of everything your Guild has to offer.

So what does the Guild of Mace-Bearers do?

  • Provides free advice on Civic Protocol
  • Runs regular training events for Mayoral Officers/Chauffeurs/Mace-Bearers
  • Offers 1-2-1 training on-site for new Civic Staff given by experienced staff from other authorities
  • Produces an annual review magazine full of members’ news
  • Advertises vacancies for Mace-Bearing positions
  • History of the Guild of Mace-Bearers

The Guild has 204 members carrying out ceremonial duties at 121 separate authorities/universities spread across the whole of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

How do I join the Guild?

All working Mace-Bearers, whether full or part-time, employed by a civic authority or a university (or anywhere else), are welcome to join us.

If you are not a Mace-Bearer but are interested in our work, you are welcome to join as a Friend of the Guild.

For further details or to apply for membership, please visit the Membership page.

Mace-Bearer Vacancies

To view all current vacancies, please visit the Mace-Bearer Vacancies page.

 

2025 Gala Celebration

The first formal gathering of a group of Mace-Bearers took place in Knowsley Hall, Lancashire in 1925. This led to the founding of our organisation in 1933. To mark this event we have recently held a Gala Celebration and Dinner in Liverpool where we were pleased to receive our newly created mace – the first (as far as we are aware) bearing the cypher of King Charles III.

 

Patrons of the Guild

  • The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London
  • The Speaker of the House of Commons
  • The Speaker of the Scottish Parliament
  • The Speaker of the Welsh Assembly.

As the upholders of civic tradition we are proud and honoured to have received the recognition and support of the holders of these distinguished positions.