WCIT What is expected of a member

Back to main WCIT page

What is expected of a member?
Joining the WCIT is a lifelong commitment. It is not like joining a club, which can be dispensed with as and when one feels like it; one does not “retire” from the company.

There are certain City traditional ceremonials that we as a Livery company adhere to. It is important that anyone seeking membership should be aware of and feel comfortable with before requesting to become a member.

A new member is expected to have:

a real desire to ‘give back’ to society and to the industry
a motivation to give, within their capability, of talent, time and money
a disposition, which allows them to work easily with others in the context of the company
an understanding of and sympathy for City tradition.

It is expected of members that they will actively be involved in the work of the company over the period of their membership, obviously to a varying degree over time dependent on their career, family and economic circumstances.

The company has panels and committees covering all of its “charitable and other purposes” and they, in turn, require both financial and physical support in the programmes they undertake. It is the expectation that a member will get involved in a panel or committee and/or would contribute financially to the company’s charitable activities.

The company also puts on special events and has regular business luncheons and dinners which all members and their partners are encouraged to attend as frequently as they can – see benefits below. It also holds a regular evening gathering on the first Thursday of each month (First Thursday at Bangers) It is appreciated that, for those not near to London, this can be difficult. However, members are encouraged to attend at least two of such events in any year. This is an important aspect of membership association, which is very much the lifeblood of a Livery company.

In summary the ideal candidate for membership is a person with integrity, courtesy and enthusiasm in working for the objectives of the company, and who respects the traditions of the City within which the company operates. They should positively enjoy social interaction and taking part in formal and informal events.

Once a Freeman there are opportunities for those who wish to become more involved in the workings of the Livery company, by being nominated to become a Liveryman by one’s peers. Liverymen are eligible for election to the Court. It is from within the Court that the ceremonial roles of Court Liveryman, Court Assistant, Warden and Master are proposed.