The civic head is the Chair of the Council who is elected every year at the Council's Annual General Meeting, and holds office for one year.
This year's Chair is Councillor Sybil Fielding.
This year's Vice-Chair is Councillor David Naylor.
Chair of Bassetlaw District Council, Councillor Sybil Fielding
Cllr Sybil Fielding is the Chair of Bassetlaw District Council and took up this roll at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 13th May.
Cllr Fielding succeeds Cllr Tony Eaton in the role and will be assisted this year by Cllr David Naylor as Vice Chair.
Cllr Sybil Fielding, Chair of Bassetlaw District Council said: “It is a tremendous privilege to become chair of Bassetlaw District Council, the Civic role affords real opportunities to promote the excellent work of so many voluntary groups and organisations and to help showcase the outstanding commitment of our young people. They represent our future.
“The work of our council is always challenging and is particularly so in this era of change. I commend the work of all elected members and our professional staff. I will exercise my duties as Chair with fairness, impartiality in the knowledge we are all working for the benefit of our community.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Tony Eaton for his diligent work as Chair and congratulate him for his civic leadership during the past 12 months.”
Cllr Fielding became a ward councillor for Worksop North West in 2012 and has previously been the Council’s Chair in 2013/14 and currently is the council’s Armed Forces Champion. She has also previously been County Council Chair in 2015/16.
Invitations to the Chair
The Chair, or the Vice-Chair, will attend most events within the District, time permitting.
The Chair welcomes invitations to attend events in the District. The Chair likes to be well briefed about any function to be attended, therefore it is best that you provide as much information as possible.
Precedence
- Within the District, the Chair has precedence, subject to Her Majesty’s Royal prerogative.
- This means that when attending functions in the District, the Chair is the most important guest, except when Members of the Royal Family or the Lord Lieutenant are present.
- There is one exception to this rule. If the event is taking place within a County Council establishment, the Chair of the County Council takes precedence over the Chair of the District Council.
- When the Vice-Chair of the Council is deputising for the Chair, the same precedence rule applies.
Chair's Arrival
The Chair of the Council should be met and officially welcomed at a function by a responsible person and escorted to their correct position. The Chair should always sit on the right-hand side of the host as the appropriate place of honour. The Chair’s Escort should be placed immediately to the left of the Chair at a meeting or dinner.
Speeches
If the Chair is required to make a speech or reply to a toast, it would be greatly appreciated if as much information as possible could be submitted in advance of the event, such as information about the body organising the event and any words of welcome and thanks which should be included.
Last Updated on Thursday, May 14, 2026