Interview with the Membership Committee
Interview is part of the membership application process, and normally takes place in the late afternoon (between 4pm and 6pm) in the City of London, at an office to be advised.
The interview lasts less than 30 minutes, and candidates are offered a choice of time before the programme is finalised. The principal purpose of the interview is to allow us to meet you, and for you to ask questions. However it would be sensible to ensure you have read and understood the paperwork you were sent by the Clerk when you first applied to join the Company, and also to have had a chat with your sponsors about it. Or you are welcome to ring the Clerk.
In particular, you should be aware of the long term nature of joining a livery company, the costs involved (Annual Quarterage at £290pa, the Admission Fine of £250, the Livery fine of £500 which is a one off payment you will be asked to pay before you receive livery in due course), and the commitment to regularly support the Company's Charitable Trust in whatsoever sum you can reasonably afford.
The interview panel is made up of members of the Membership Committee, which consists of the Master, two Wardens, a Court Assistant who chairs the Committee and panel (presently Mr Hugh Bohling), and four other liveryman. The panel for interview will typically be about half that number.
They are keen that potential World Traders' have some experience of our events, and you should make every effort to attend one prior to the interview (when you will be welcome as a guest of your sponsor, or as a paying guest in your own right). An existing involvement in the City of London is NOT a prerequisite for joining the Company, but the panel will be interested to know why you wish to join the Company, and your future ability to support its activities.
The recommendations of the Membership committee are put before the next Court meeting for approval, and it is only after that Court that you will receive a letter from the Clerk advising you of your acceptance into the Company, or otherwise.
Assuming acceptance, you will then be invited to attend a subsequent Court meeting to receive formally the Freedom of the Company. For the next steps in the admission procedure, including the Freedom of the City of London, please click on this link: Freedom of the Company, City, and Livery.
