Master of the Company
The Master is the nominal head of the Company.
He or she is appointed by invitation of the Court of Assistants and serves in office for one year, commencing and terminating on Charter Day.
The Master's duties include chairing the Full Court and Court of Assistants, presiding at all Company functions and representing the Company at the various functions of other Guilds throughout the country.
The Master for 2024/5 is Claire Wesley, who was installed at Charter Day on Wednesday, 26th June 2024.
How We Are Governed
Court of Assistants
The executive committee and trustees of the Company - 20 members who are appointed by the Full Court and charged with the routine management of the Company and the long-term planning and strategy of the Charity.
The Court of Assistants comprises the Master and Immediate Past Master, the four Wardens (the Senior (Master Elect) and Junior Wardens and two Past Masters), the four Searchers (Members who have not yet served in office), the Chancellor, the Honorary Architect, the Honorary Solicitor, the Clerk, and Chairs of the main committees.
Committees
The Court of Assistants is supported by several committees dealing with company business areas. These include Charitable Donations & Community Engagement, Catering, Finance, Fabric, Membership, Governance and Business Development. Members are invited to join committees to use a particular interest or skill to support the running of the Company.