The Company is governed by a Court comprising some 30 people; some are elected officers – the Master and Wardens, for example – and others either aspire to those positions, or, like the Pastmasters, have held office and give the Court the benefit of their experience. The Court has various committees: • The Election Committee interviews all applicants for the Freedom of the Company. • The General Purposes Committee deals with all financial and most other management and policy matters. • The Scholarships and Awards Committee oversees scholarships and prizes (for example, the QUEST Award, made in partnership with the
Institution of Civil Engineers, the Royal Charter International Research Award, made in conjunction with the
BRE Trust, and the Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship, in conjunction with the
CIOB) and is responsible for links to schools. • The Charity Committee makes recommendations to the Trustees for disbursement of available charitable funds. • The Privileges Committee makes recommendations on entry to the Court, and advancement within it. • The Merchandise & Events Committee is responsible for Company Merchandise and the events programme. • The Fundraising Committee explores partnerships with construction industry organisations which will enable the Company to further its charitable and educational work. • The Media Committee looks at all forms of communication from the Company, printed, electronic, website and social media. Most new members join as Freemen, in the process making certain commitments, or Obligations, to the Company. Freemen are entitled to apply to the City Chamberlain to become a Freeman of the City of London. That achieved, and after a period of satisfactory service with the Company, a Freeman can apply to become a full Liveryman, which entitles him or her to vote in City elections and attend certain events, like the United Guilds Service at
St Paul's Cathedral. Other grades of membership include: • Yeomen – most of whom have been scholars or prize winners • Apprentices – bound to a Liveryman or member of the Court for a prescribed period of indenture, and enrolled at
Guildhall • Companion – the widow or widower of a member of the Court or a Liveryman. The Company has recently admitted its first International Constructors. Fellowship is a key aspect of the Company's activities. Each year there are three formal dinners and a programme of smaller events and activities. There are Fines and Fees for entering into the Freedom and Livery of the Company as well as an annual quarterage (subscription) charge. Members are also expected to contribute to the Charity Fund. ==Church==