Flag Protocol

Unless otherwise specified in Appendix A, flags must be raised by 08:00 and lowered at sunset or 18:00, whichever is later. If this is not possible, the flag should be lowered before 08:00 the following morning.

For flags flown over a full calendar month, the following timings apply:

• Raised at 08:00 on the first day of the month.
• Lowered at sunset or 18:00 on the last day of the month.
• If the first day of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the flag should be raised by 18:00 on the preceding Friday evening.
• If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is acceptable to lower the flag before 08:00 on the following Monday morning.

For flags flown to mark a week-long event:

• Raised at 08:00 on Monday morning.
• Lowered at sunset or 18:00 on Sunday evening, or before 08:00 on the following Monday morning.

In the event of a death or major incident, such as those covered under Operation Bridge and Operation Oak, flags must only be lowered once a formal announcement has been made, and the Facilities Team has been notified by the Policy Team. All flag changes must be carried out uniformly across council sites, coordinated by the Policy Team and the Head of Facilities Management.

Notifications for exceptional flag changes may be received during weekends or evenings and must be actioned promptly in line with this protocol.