The Farmers Company Structure
How the Company Works
The Company's constitution follows the form of the older, more
established, livery companies.
The Master: is elected from the Court and
serves for one year. The annual installation of the Master is held
at the conclusion of the Company's Harvest Festival Service.
The Court: the governing body sets overall
strategy and takes all policy decisions. It comprises the Master, a
Senior Warden and a Junior Warden elected from the Court, and
twenty to twenty-four Assistants elected from the Livery. The
majority of the Court of Assistants must be engaged in the farming
industry.
The Clerk: manages the business of the Company
and administers the Court.
The Livery: currently comprises up to 350
members, drawn from the Freedom of the Company and ‘clothed’ as
Liverymen by the Master in the presence of the Court.
The Freedom: the entry level for the Company,
from which the Livery is drawn.
The Charity Co-ordinator: focuses on income to
the charitable fund.
Master’s Policy Committee: co-ordinates the
work of the Company.
Finance Committee: monitors and controls all
aspects of the finances and investments of the Company, including
annual budgets.
Education Committee: identifies, develops and
supports the education and research activities of the company.
Nominations Committee: advises on election to
the Court, identifies Liverymen for appointment to committees and
is responsible for nominations to other appointments.
Livery Liaison Committee: reviews the
activities of the Company to ensure it promotes good fellowship and
adheres to its objectives. Also has oversight of the Company’s
communications.
Almoner’s Committee: furthers the Company’s
charitable works by distributing funds.
Henman, Brooks Apprentices & Jubilee
Committee: makes discretionary awards from these three
funds.