Society Handbook 2022-2023 v12

Member Information
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
GOVERNANCE
In common with the other City Livery Companies, the Society is governed by a Court of Assistants,
which meets quarterly. The Apothecaries’ Court consists of up to 24 members, one of whom is
elected Master, usually for a year. Two Wardens – Senior and Junior – are selected to assist the
Master and together they form the Private Court, which meets monthly.
The day-to-day organisation and administration of the Society’s affairs is carried out by the Clerk,
who acts as Chief Executive, assisted by the Deputy Clerk, the Beadle, and the staff of the
Clerk’s Office. The Head of the Academic Department and her team of staff are responsible for all
Society academic endeavours, including examinations, courses and lecture programmes run by the
Society’s two Faculties. (the Faculty of Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine and the Faculty of the
History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy).
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Society membership is open to all members of the medical profession registered with the GMC or
overseas equivalent, and to registered pharmacists. The combined proportion of those who, on
joining are, or were, either medically qualified or registered pharmacists (and remain in good
standing with their profession) should be at least 85% of the Society’s membership. There should
not normally be fewer than 80% of members of the Society who are medically qualified. There is an
annual ballot for candidates who do not fit into these two membership categories. Those successful
in the ballot may be granted membership if there are spaces available. Currently, nonmedical/pharmacy
spaces are very limited, and it is possible that none will be granted in the next few
years.
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