The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

WCCSA Crest Saddlers' House
(3rd Floor)
40 Gutter Lane,
London, EC2V 6BR
Telephone: 020 7726 2955
Fax: 020 7600 5699
Email: clerk@wccsa.org.uk
All enquiries to the Clerk- Colonel M.J.Dudding OBE TD DL FCIS
 
History

Livery companies grew from the original guilds. The Weavers are described as the oldest chartered craft in the City, their charter dating back to 1155. As one would expect from the company first in order of precedence, the Mercers’ company has played a leading part in the history of the City and indeed England. The name Richard Whittington who was master in 1395, 1401 and 1408 became folklore.

Since then, the Livery within our City has grown and adapted to meet new needs and to acknowledge new trades and professions. The Livery has grown significantly since the Second World War, there being only 77 companies in 1945. The Security Professionals have recently been presented with Letters Patent making them company number 108. Our Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators was formed on 3rd November 1976 and is ranked No.87.

Aims of the Company

The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators has a core ethos of fellowship, welfare, education and supporting the profession. The Company's Objectives embrace accumulation of funds to further the support of professional education in the field of Chartered Secretaryship, by way of charitable funding for aspiring members of the profession, and in providing prizes and bursaries for the support of the profession; providing for professional and social exchange between Liverymen, and between Liverymen and others with a concern for good administration, and to enhance the standing of the profession, with particular reference to the City of London and generally, to support the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and the Court of Common Council of The Corporation of London.

Membership of the Company

By virtue of its Ordinances, members on admission to the Company must be Associates or fellows of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. The maximum number of Liverymen permitted is 300.

Responsibilities of Membership

The obligations of those fit and proper persons who are admitted to the Freedom and the Livery of the Company are set out in a formal declaration to the Court at the admission ceremonies. They are what are expected of a good citizen of The City.

Apprentice Scheme

A recent development is that the Company now has an Apprenticeship Scheme in place. This provides, in each year, for up to 6 young persons then between the ages of 18 and 29 to each be apprenticed to a Senior Liveryman, known as the Master of the Apprentice. There is a separate scale of Fines and Fees, and there is also the possibility of a grant of modest amount, by way of scholarship to support the Apprentice's studies for the ICSA examinations. The apprenctices can participate in a leadership and social programme.  One former apprentice is to spend 5-6 weeks with the Royal Navy, including at least a week at sea, as part of that programme.

Charitable and Educational Activities

On the Company's founding a Charitable Trust was established largely by an appeal to Liverymen, who continue to maintain the growth of the Fund both by regular donation and, for some, by the occasional one-off contribution too. It is expected that each Liveryman will contribute regularly, according to his or her individual means.

The Company has an affiliation with Rokeby School, in Stratford, London E15, a boys-pnly secondary school.  The Company supplies two Governors and takes an active role in supporting staff and pupils.  The Company also supports the West Ham unit of the Sea Cadet Corps.

Livery Activities

The Livery holds a limited number of functions in The City each year, ranging from the lounge-suited informality of a luncheon to the strictly formal, white tie or black tie, evening occasions. As well as these, there are various sporting events in which we take part such as charitable sponsored swimming for the City Dip, inter-livery golf and a bridge competition. For the most part, guests are welcome at these functions, although space in some of the Livery Halls is occasionally a limitation. The Livery also holds an annual church service and a joint carol service with other Livery companies.  The collection from the latter is given to a hostel for homeless people in Newham.

There is also a thriving Livery Liaison Group that organises a small number of less formal, and generally less expensive, functions throughout the year. Recent examples have been visits to RAF Halton, Lords cricket ground, the House of Commons and the Royal Naval College at Greenwich.

Permanent links have been established with all three of the Armed Services, and the Heads of the Logistics Branch, Royal Navy; the Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support) of the Army; and the Personnel Supply Branch of the Royal Air Force, are Honorary Freemen of the Company.  In addition, the Company has an affiliation with the submarine HMS Trafalgar.


By becoming a member of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, as a professional you will find yourself amongst a body of people all similarly qualified and motivated, who support the ethos and the good works of traditional City life. You will be able to meet fellow Liverymen from our own and from other Livery Companies, as well as others holding senior positions in, or associated with, The City. In addition, as a Liveryman you will be in an unrivalled position to offer corporate hospitality unavailable to most business people.

Becoming a Liveryman offers a unique opportunity to participate in City life, both modern day business, and the traditions going back many centuries. Tradition and modernity rest easily together in The City and The Livery. Their common goals and objectives embrace strong, active links in the support of excellence and the promotion of The City on a global platform whilst, for example, the election of the Sheriffs and the submission of two candidates for the office of Lord Mayor to the Court of Aldermen for final choice, are traditions that remain the prerogative of Liverymen to this day.

Finding out more

For details of the costs and further information about the Company please contact the Clerk at the address above or visit http://www.wccsa.org.uk

About four times a year, informal meetings are held for potential members in the City. At these there is a short presentation followed by an open question session. Potential members are invited to meet members of the Court and other Liverymen whilst having a drink after work. There is no obligation at all to join but attendance is by invitation that is given only to suitable qualified Chartered Secretaries. There is no charge for attending the sessions.