Joining as a Personal Member

A candidate can apply directly to the Company having completed the online application form (click here). A proposer (i.e. current Liveryman or Freeman) can also apply on behalf of the candidate. Alternatively, a full application form can be downloaded here.

This application form must be signed by two proposers (or one for Associate Freeman). If a candidate does not know any current members, they should contact the Clerk to discuss the way ahead; call: 020 7645 1405 or email: clerk@thecarmen.co.uk

Do not provide more information than that requested on the application form.

Once an application form has been submitted, the candidate will be contacted by the Clerk or by a member of the Membership Committee to agree a date when the applicant (and possibly their proposer) can attend a relaxed, informal meeting either in person or remotely. This will cover the applicant’s knowledge of the Company and the City of London, their reasons for wanting to join, how the applicant views their personal involvement with the Company, and any charity or voluntary work with which the candidate is involved. The Committee will be able to answer any queries that the applicant might have.

Family of existing Carmen do not normally need to be interviewed; however, a one page CV is requested along with the application form to give the Membership Committee some information about the applicant.

Subject to the satisfactory recommendation by the Membership Committee, the Clerk will write to the applicant inviting them to attend Carmen’s Hall to receive the Company Freedom at a mutually convenient date and time. This ceremony takes about 20 minutes and involves the reading of a declaration and payment of the Freedom (joining) fee where applicable – see table on the Fees tab alongside. Successful applicants will be invited to make voluntary contributions to the Carmen Benevolent Trust and/or the Carmen Heritage Trust.

Where it is impractical to attend in person, the ceremony can be conducted remotely – an example would be for HM Forces personnel where military commitments dictate their availability.

On completion of the ceremony, candidates become members of the Company.