Structure and administration of the company

In accordance with the Royal Charter the Company consists of a Master, Upper Warden, Renter Warden, Twelve Assistants and a Court of Livery.

The Company is undoubtedly the most democratic of the City Livery Companies. Every Liveryman is made aware before being elected that he may in due time by seniority become Renter Warden, Upper Warden and Master of the Company if he so desires.

Courts of Livery are held in October, March and July, more if vacancies occur in the Offices. Every Liveryman is expected to attend each Court and is entitled to raise and debate any matter relevant to Livery in general or the Company in particular.

Minutes of all Courts of Livery and Courts of Assistants are distributed or available on request to all Liverymen together with detailed Annual Financial Accounts.

The Master is elected annually by the Liverymen by ballot at the St. James Day (July) Court of Livery. Any Liveryman who has served one of the Offices of Warden is eligible but it is usual to elect one who has passed the Offices of Renter and Upper Warden in consecutive years.

The Wardens are elected in the same way as the Master, every Liveryman is eligible but it is usual to take them in seniority.

The Clerk and Beadle are elected annually by the Liverymen by ballot at the St. James Day (July) Court of Livery.

In recent years to assist Liverymen who are elected to Office by seniority but unable to accept due to their career structure or other commitments may, at the discretion of the Court of Assistants, have their name placed on a Deferred List to enable them to serve at a later date. A Reserve List of names of suitable candidates who by age may not reach Office by seniority is also kept.

The Twelve Liverymen who form the Court of Assistants are elected by ballot at a Court of Livery. It is usual to call upon Past Masters (other than the Immediate Past Master) of the Company to fill a vacancy but if none are available a Liveryman who has not filled the Offices of Warden or Master may be elected to serve for a limited period of two years.

The Court of Assistants meet on eight occasions throughout the year and it is their role to direct the affairs of the Company to ensure sound government, supervision and correction with regular reference to the various Committees and Livery.
The Court of Assistants in session in the Alderman’s Court at the Guildhall

The Court of Assistants appoint various Committees to operate under their direction and to advise them on specialist matters. Currently these are :-

The Finance Committee to utilize the experience and expertise of specialist Liverymen to make the best use of the Company's resources and investments, arrange for the preparation of the Annual Accounts, financial statements, budgets, etc., when required.
The Craft Committee to develop the Company's activities in the field of education and the promotion of excellence in our Crafts, plan and organise the competition for the prestigious Joiners and Ceilers Award, maintain contact with the Construction and Joinery Industries and Trade Associations, etc.
The Admissions Committee to advise on all matters relating to the admission to the Company of Apprentices, Freemen and Liverymen including the interview of Sponsors and Candidates.
The Charitable Trust exists to foster the Craft of joinery by making grants to educational establishments, etc., and providing prizes to advance this objective and to apply same to or benefit such institutions or such charitable purposes as the Court of Assistants shall direct.
The General Purposes Committee advises on all matters not coming within the terms of reference of other Committees and to carry out tasks referred to it by the Court of Assistants.
The Events Committee to examine and report on participation in existing Livery events, ways of increasing participation in these or new and possibly less formal events or activities especially involving newer Liverymen and to project costings and venues for dinners and luncheons