Find out about the Mayor of Guildford

Cllr Jane Tyson is Mayor of Guildford for the municipal year 2026 to 2027.  

Jane's connection with Guildford began in 1993.  While working at Guildford Spectrum, she completed an access course at Guildford College. 

She went on to study Education and Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.  For over 30 years Jane has worked in education in a wide range of roles, championing resilience, confidence and lifelong learning.  

Cllr Tyson was Deputy Mayor for the 2025 to 2026 municipal year. She lives in Guildford with her husband and two children.   

Vision. Vitality. Voice

Connection is at the heart of how Jane works. She often describes herself as someone who brings people together to help make things happen. Her mayoral theme grows from that belief and is guided by three core values: 

• vision: seeing what's possible for Guildford's communities  
• vitality: bringing energy and momentum to the things that matter  
• voice: helping people feel heard, valued and able to express what matters to them.  

As Mayor, Jane is committed to serving the residents of Guildford and its surrounding villages with energy, openness and integrity. She aims to create spaces where people feel seen, heard and connected.

Throughout her mayoral year, she hopes to: 

• inspire resilience 
• encourage lifelong learning 
• show what becomes possible when communities work together. 

Councillor Dominique Williams is the Deputy Mayor of Guildford for 2026-27.

You can follow the mayoralty on Facebook @GuildfordMayoralty

A member of the council is elected to be the Mayor for the forthcoming year.

The Deputy Mayor is elected in the same way.

The Mayor, and in his or her absence the Deputy Mayor, has the following role:

• to uphold and promote the purposes of the council's constitution 
• to preside over meetings of the council so that business can be carried out efficiently 
• to ensure that the council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community. 
• to promote public involvement in the council's activities
• to attend civic and ceremonial events

The Mayor traditionally steps back from party politics for his or her term of office. 

The Mayor does not deal with complaints. To complain about a council matter, go to our complaints page.

Find out more about how to book the Mayor for your event and apply online.

Request the Mayor's attendance for your event

The questions and answers below will help you plan your visit from the Mayor or Deputy Mayor. 

How should I introduce the Mayor at a function and how should I address him or her?

✔ When introducing the Mayor at a function, please say: "The Worshipful the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor...
(first name and last name, for example, Jane Tyson)

✔ If the Mayor is accompanied by an official escort just add "and escort, Mr or Mrs...."

✔ In the case of a male Mayor who is accompanied by his Mayoress, just add "and the Mayoress, Mrs....."

✔ Please introduce the Deputy Mayor as "The Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Councillor ...." as with the Mayor.

✔  After the first introduction, the Mayor should be addressed as 'Mr Mayor'. Or in the case of a female Mayor - Madam Mayor, and the Mayoress (where applicable) as Madam Mayoress.

✔ The Deputy Mayor should be addressed as "Madam, or Mr, Deputy Mayor". The Mayor or Deputy Mayor's Escort should simply be referred to by their name.

When does the Mayor attend an event as the First Citizen of the Borough?

The Mayor is the principal guest at any social function in the borough to which he, or she, has been invited as Mayor.

As Mayor they attend as the First Citizen of the Borough and not as a representative of the council.

What time should the Mayor arrive at a function?

The Mayor arrives five to 10 minutes before the start of a function. Unless you have requested otherwise on the bid form/information sheet.

Make sure the Mayor is met by an officer of your organisation. They can escort and introduce the Mayor to the host or guests. It is important that the host is at the event for the whole of the Mayor's visit. 

Where should the Mayor be seated?

At a formal dinner, lunch etc, the Mayor traditionally sits on the immediate right of the host. The Mayor sits on the immediate right of the person presiding at a meeting, unless he, or she, is in the Chair.

What happens if the Mayor attends a church service?

At a church service, you must arrange for the Mayor to be met at the entrance to the church. The Mayor is then escorted to the front pew on the right hand side of the centre aisle. The only exception to this practice would be at a funeral service, or other private service. On these occasions, the Mayor would give up his, or her place to the family mourners and take the front pew on the left.

Can we take a photograph of the Mayor?

If you are a voluntary organisation, it is fine to take a photo of the Mayor during your event. Your organisation or club can use the images as you wish.

If a photo is to be used by a commercial organisation, you need prior written consent from the Mayor's office. This includes any reference to the Mayor in any advertising material for a company. 

What if a member of the royal family is also attending our event?

The Clerk to the Lieutenancy will advise on protocol. Contact the Mayor's office for guidance by emailing civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.

What if the Deputy Mayor is representing the Mayor?

All the procedures above apply to the Deputy Mayor when attending an event on behalf of the Mayor.

Download a copy of our protocol information leaflet for 2026/27. protocol information (PDF, 212 KB)

If you have any queries about future events, email civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.
 

Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jane Tyson, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dominique Williams.

Monday 19 October to Sunday 1 November 2026

Monday 19 October

12:15             The Mayor, Councillor Jane Tyson, attends the Sime Gallery CIO Theatrical Exhibition Reception at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford.

13:45             The Mayor attends the British Heart Foundation Volunteer Awards Presentation at St Francis Church, Westborough.

18:00             The Mayor attends the Basketball4All Basketball session at St Peter's Roman Catholic Comprehensive School, Guildford.

Tuesday 20 October

10:00             The Mayor visits Headway Surrey to see them in action at their offices in North Road, Guildford.

Wednesday 21 October

10:30             The Mayor visit the Surrey Veteran Hub at Woking Fire Station, Woking.

18:15             The Mayor attends the Guildford Society Annual Architecture Lecture at St Cecilia's Hall, St Peter's Roman Catholic Comprehensive School, Guildford.

Thursday 22 October

10:30             The Mayor attends the Surrey Poppy Launch 2026 at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright.

Monday 26 October

18:00             The Mayor attends the Chancellor's 50^th Anniversary Concert at the Bellairs Theatre, University of Surrey, Guildford.

Tuesday 27 October

10:00             The Mayor hosts a Talk, Tour & Tea at Guildford's Abbot's Hospital.  This event is in support of the Mayor's chosen charities, Home-Start Guildford, SATRO, and the Mayor of Guildford's Local Support Fund, with donations also supporting Abbot's Hospital.

There are a few spaces available so please contact the Civic Office at civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk to reserve your place.

Wednesday 28 October

17:45             The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dominique Williams, accompanied by her Consort, Mr Jonathan Williams, attends the Guildford Shakespeare Company's Murder Mystery - 'A Brew to a Kill' Press Night at the Hog's Back Brewery, Tongham.

Thursday 29 October

12:00             The Mayor attends the Gaudy Lunch at Abbot's Hospital, Guildford.

Friday 30 October

17:00             The Deputy Mayor, accompanied by her Consort, attends the Ataloss 10^th Year Bereavement Matters Launch at St Paul's Cathedral, London.

Saturday 31 October

13:55             The Deputy Mayor attends the Barvy Ukrainy Concert of Ukrainian Music at the Guildford Baptist Church, Millmead.

Sunday 1 November

11:00              The Mayor attends the Combined Charities Christmas Fair at the Guildhall, Guildford.

Do you know someone who has done exceptional work in the community to improve the lives of others or foster good relationships? If the answer is 'yes' the Mayor would like to hear from you.

The Mayor's Award for Service to the Community aims to recognise and encourage positive community working in the Borough of Guildford.

Since 2004 over 500 residents of Guildford have been recognised for their contribution to the local community. The award is presented personally by the Mayor. It provides an opportunity to publicly thank anyone who is carrying out a voluntary role that is adding to the general wellbeing of their community. More importantly, it recognises the invaluable service they provide; work that is often carried out very quietly and without seeking anything in return.

To nominate someone for the award, you can:

• complete our online form 
• download a nomination form (PDF, 394 KB) and return it to us at the address below.
• request a form to be sent to you by emailing or calling the Civic Secretary, Kate Foxton, using the details below.

You will find guidance to help you complete your nomination within the form.

To support your nomination, we do ask for two letters of support from individuals who have experience of the nominee's contributions, character, or achievements. They should clearly outline why the nominee is deserving of recognition.

The selection process is based on the strength of the nominee's contributions, the lasting impact on the community, and the quality of the supporting materials.

Email: CivicSecretary@guildford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01483-444031
Write to: Mayor's Award for Service to the Community
The Mayor's Parlour
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Tuesday 1 December 2026. Successful nominees will be invited to attend an awards event towards the end of the Mayoral year.

During this Mayoral year, Jane has chosen to support the following charities:

• Home-Start Guildford 

Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity supporting families with at least one child under the age of 5, living in Guildford borough. It is part of Home-Start UK, one of the UK's leading family support charities, benefitting from their policy framework and quality assurance, but not funding. 

Visit: hsguildford.org.uk

• SATRO 

SATRO work to raise young people's aspirations, build their confidence and develop skills ready for work. 

Visit: www.satro.org.uk 

• The Mayor of Guildford's Local Support Fund 

This fund provides vital financial support to residents experiencing difficult circumstances. Throughout Jane's mayoral year, she will be working hard to raise awareness of the fund across the borough, ensuring it reaches the people who need it most.  

Email civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk  

The Mayor holds fundraising events during the mayoral year to benefit their chosen charities.

This year, the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jane Tyson is supporting and several other local charities through various fund-raising events. Details of all events can be found on the digital flyer. (PDF, 544 KB)

Upcoming events

• 17 May 2026: The Big Charity Fundraising Walk with Rotary in Guildford
• Sunday 6 September 2026:  Gosdenberry - An afternoon of music in the Gosden House Walled garden with cream tea; organised by Guildford Wey Rotary 
• 7 November 2026: Guildford Wellfest, G Live
• 13 December 2025: The Mayor's Christmas Concert, organised by the Guildford Wey Rotary and the Vivace Chorus
• New Year 2027: Charity Night at The Shahin Restaurant, Woodbridge Hill, Guildford