Protocol Management
Definition of "Protocol"
Protocol generally refers to customs and rules of politeness and courtesy between individuals and in society. For governments, nations and provinces, protocol is a system of conventions, procedures and symbols which express their identity and facilitate relationships between them
What does government protocol involve?
Government protocol covers such areas as official visit procedures, symbols (flags and other visual emblems, anthems, uniforms), forms of address (written and verbal), tables of precedence, state ceremonial, guidelines for hospitality, and official honours and awards. It also includes details like guest-lists, invitations, seating-plans, gifts and dress codes. International protocol is a complex system of rules and conventions which govern the relationships between nation-states and in international organizations
What does a protocol office do?
Protocol offices plan and organize official visits within their jurisdiction, for example those of diplomats, foreign delegations, the Royal Family and the Governor General. They are usually responsible for government hospitality and ceremonial events and provide a consulting or advisory service on protocol-related matters. Depending on the jurisdiction, protocol offices may have a number of other responsibilities.
Services
Protocol consulting and advisory service
- Government departments and agencies, municipalities, organizations and the general public
- on visits, the diplomatic and consular corps, the Royalty precedence, forms of address, symbols, ceremonial, dress, etiquette
Planning and organization of official visits
- Diplomats accredited to ambassadors and high commissioners and their posted staff
- Members of the consular corps (consuls-general, consuls, etc.)
- Heads of state and government from other countries and delegations involving people of ministerial rank or higher
- Public Offices
- Members of the Royal Family
Ceremonial occasions
- Presentations of honours and awards
- Special recognition events
- Installation of the Public Figures
- Official portrait and gallery art unveilings