Job Vacancy - Left Hand Mace Bearer

Published: 13 March 2023

Background and Duties of the Mace Bearer

The City Council has one Sword Bearer and two Mace Bearers (left and right) for formal civic occasions. The two Mace Bearers also perform the duties of Mayor’s Sergeant, and this vacancy relates to the post of ‘left hand’ Mace. The Mace is the emblem of the power, authority and dignity of the Mayor; the Mace Bearer carries the Mace before the Mayor on appropriate occasions and assists with robing, securing of chains of office, event briefing and organisation of the civic procession. Mace Bearers may also be asked to assist at civic charity events. Before, during and after civic events, the Mace Bearer also provides ongoing assistance and advice to the Mayor predominantly, and to invited civic dignitaries generally.

The post upholds a long tradition of civic pride and dignity, and this should be reflected in the personality and appearance of the Mace Bearer, whose duties will require a strong sense of duty, together with tact and courtesy.

The two Mace Bearers fulfil the role of Mayor’s Sergeant at full Council meetings. There are usually 8 such meetings each year and the two Mace Bearers divide attendance at these by mutual agreement.

Remuneration

The post is paid on the Local Government scale at spinal column point 5 (fixed), currently £11.18 per hour. A pay award for 2023/24 is pending. As the hours of the post are variable and intermittent, pay for annual leave and public holidays is made by way of an addition to this hourly rate. The addition is 13% (currently £1.62 per hour and applicable up to 5 years’ service) and 14.5% (currently £1.72 per hour and payable after 5 years’ service).

As most of the duties are of a short duration, a special consideration is made whereby for the first two hours (or part) you will receive 3 hours’ pay. Each additional hour over two hours is paid at the normal hourly rate [e.g. if you turn out for a duty lasting 1½ hours you will be paid for 3 hours; if you turn out for a duty lasting 4 hours you will be paid for 5 hours]. There are no enhanced rates for evening, weekend or bank holiday working.

Further information can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification document 

To apply, please complete the application form.

Closing date for applications: 7 April 2023. 

Interviews are currently expected to be held during week commencing 17 April 2023