History Of The Guild
The first mention of Guild liveries was in the fourteenth century when the term "Company" started to be used in place of "Guild". The Guild of Butchers along with other Guilds, were summoned to the Guildhall to support the Aldermen in the responsibilities of the City Government and a statute of 1411 permitted the wearing of "liveries" by the Craft Guilds. As the number of members increased the Livery became confined to the more senior members, such as those with a higher standing in the trade.
The Butchers Company has always taken a strong interest in Education and Training within the meat industry and in 1946 initiated the formation of the Institute of Meat, a membership company which provided the organisation and management of UK industry training in the early post-war years.
The influence of the Livery helped to sustain the Institute of Meat and maintain its objectives until 1993 when a new organisation, the Meat Training Council, was launched to take over all Education and Training activities. The Meat Training Council is recognised by the Department of Education and Skills as the National Training Organisation (NTO) and the Awarding Body for the UK meat and poultry industries.
The Institute of Meat continues as a professional body with an active membership and maintains a role alongside that of the Worshipful Company of Butchers and the Meat Training Organisation as a non-political, independent body in the Meat Industry, aiming to ensure excellence in craftsmanship, technology, business management and Professionalism.
In view of the close relationship with The Butchers Company, which administers membership and activities from Butchers' Hall, the Institute of Meat is now known as The Worshipful Company of Butchers' Guild.
A Professional Body
There is need for a professional approach in all meat/industry food matters to be clearly demonstrated to the public and official bodies. This is best achieved by those engaged in the industry being seen to be bound by a Code of Conduct defined by The Worshipful Company of Butchers' Guild as a Professional Body.
A Member of the Guild is entitled to the designation of the appropriate Grade of Membership after his/her name and to display an individually scribed Membership Certificate depicting the Heraldic Arms of both the Worshipful Company of Butchers and the Institute of Meat. There are five different grades of Membership and each grade has its own requirements:
Membership
| Grade Of Membership | Subscription | Annual Qualifications and/or Designate Subscription Requirements Needed | |
| Fellow | £55.00 | Significant contribution to Meat Industry | F.Inst.M. |
| Member | £55.00 | Long employment in the Meat trade | M.Inst.M. |
| Graduate Member | £55.00 | NVQ Level 4 or HND or equivalent | G.M.Inst.M. |
| Associate | £49.00 | NVQ Level 3 | A.Inst.M. |
| Affiliate | £49.00 | NVQ Level 2 | Aff.Inst.M. |
A reduced annual subscription of £25 comes into effect for all members 65 years or over. Those who are fully retired before 65 years can apply for the reduced subscription rate.
The Subscription year runs from 1 January to 31 December.
A Fellowship grade cannot be applied for. It is awarded to members by The Directors of the Institute of Meat.
For further information about joining the Guild please email guild@butchershall.com or telephone the Guild Administrator on 0207 600 4106.
Download the Application Form
Download the Code of Conduct
Benefits
The Guild provides a forum to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on matters of education and general interest to the Meat and Allied Trades. This is of particular significance and encouragement to students and young people entering the trade. Prize winners at the annual awards held at Butchers' Hall are provided with one year's free Guild membership.
Members receive The Worshipful Company of Butchers quarterly Newsletter, containing a dedicated section on Guild matters keeping members informed of important issues in the Meat Industry and provides details of all forthcoming events. Regular technical meetings are organised throughout the year in various parts of the UK giving members a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes. Interesting and informative visits have recently been made to HM Prison High Down at Sutton (Catering), Dr Martens Boot Factory at Northampton (Hides) and the Central Science Laboratory at York (Food hygiene etc).
The Gunner Mallion Library at Butchers' Hall houses a wide selection of technical and historical publications and is also available as a meeting room for members on request.
Guild Members and their guests are welcome to attend a Carvery luncheon at the Great Hall every Wednesday, except during the month of August. Roast Beef is always on the Menu. The cost of the luncheon for Guild Members is £20 plus VAT. All drinks and wine are exclusive of this price and a good range of wines is also available at reasonable prices.