The Company and its structure
In 2000, the Company of Water Conservators was granted Livery and became the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators. It was incorporated by Royal Charter in 2005. The Constitution and Ordinances describe the purpose and organisation of the Company, and Standing Orders set out in detail how the Company is to be administered.
As with other Livery Companies, the strategic direction of the Company and resolution issues lies with its Court, comprising Master, Wardens, Past Masters and Court Assistants. The Master is supported by three Wardens named (in order of seniority) after London’s rivers: the Thames, Fleet and Walbrook. The Master and Wardens are elected annually by the Court of Assistants.
Membership to the Court is by election from the Company’s Liverymen – drawn from practitioners in water, waste and environment industries. Court Assistants also bring a wide range of skills and experience to the management and direction of the Company.
The Company has one main committee – The Finance, Membership and General Purposes Committee which reports to the Court. Other matters are dealt with by ad hoc sub-committees reporting to the Committee or the Court.
The Company’s Chief Executive has the title of Clerk. The Clerk deals not only with the day-to-day administration of the Company but also provides continuity and expert advice on Livery Company procedures and City traditions.
The Company has a number of officers to assist with its day-to-day responsibilities, including an Honorary Chaplain to attend to the spiritual needs of the Company, an Almoner to attend to welfare needs, a Beadle to preserve order, and a Bargemaster, to attend to the Company’s cutter, the Water Forget-me-not.
The Company has honoured certain individuals as Honorary Freemen and liverymen who have performed meritorious services for the Company.
The Company’s Patron Saint is St Christopher, adopted in 2008 following consultation with the Chaplain, and within the Company, reflecting his strong connection to rivers and waterways.
The Company has a vigorous and demanding Past Masters Committee which maintains a watchful eye over Company developments.
