WCIT How to become a member

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How to become a member

Application Criteria
Applicants should be clearly and closely involved with information technology, either as a supplier of IT, as an IT professional involved in its application, or as a professional in another field but specialising in the deployment of that in IT. Applicants may be proprietors, managers or experienced practitioners.

Applicants should preferably be known to a number of their Sponsors’ colleagues and have the time, talent and/or resources to help the company achieve its aims. hey should be prepared to engage fully in the company’s activities. The company cannot accept membership applications from anyone convicted of a criminal offence (Applicants need not disclose convictions that are spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) or from undischarged bankrupts.

Application
An applicant for the Freedom of the company must have two sponsors, one acting as proposer, the other as a seconder; both must be members of the company and one must be a Liveryman. Both sponsors must sign the applicant’s form and the proposer must also write a covering letter of recommendation. The application form and accompanying letter should be sent to the Clerk.

Click here to download the application form document.

Induction process
Following the receipt of the application by the Clerk’s office, an applicant will be asked to attend an interview. The interview panel will consist of the Chairman of the Freedom Committee and three Court members. Applicants are expected to have attended at least one company event, have knowledge of the Livery movement, the company and the City (sample questions and a book list will be forwarded on application). It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure the applicant has this knowledge and experience prior to their interview. On acceptance by the interview panel, the application goes before the Court at its next formal meeting for final agreement. Successful applicants remain a Freeman for life. They may apply through the Clerk at any time to be added to the waiting list for election as a Liveryman. The process from application to admission to the Freedom should not take more than six months.

The costs of being a Member
The costs for becoming a member are as follows:

Joining as a Freemen - A one off payment (fine) and an annual subscription. For 2009 these are £525 and £185 respectively.
Elected as a Liveryman - A one off payment (fine) and an annual subscription (quarterage). For 2009 these are £800 and £285 respectively

The typical costs for events are:

First Thursdays at Bangers - £12 per member
Business Luncheons - £85 per head
Partner Dinners - £90 per head
Mansion House Dinners - £95 per head

In recent years we have expanded the number of social activities available to members, as we feel it is an important part of WCIT membership. We therefore encourage members to participate as much as they can, since it is these activities that help to forge friendships and create fellowship.

Where partners or guests accompany a member the cost will be the same for each person attending.
It is important that members feel that they can afford these kinds of costs bearing in mind that we expect participation as much as possible in our events and activities.

Click here to view information about our regular meet ups.