The Worshipful Company of Distillers is a Livery Company of the City of London with a broad membership across the distilling industry and beyond. Its aim is to be at the Heart of the Industry, support spirits education and vocational training in the industry, raise its profile within the City, and support charitable causes, with a particular focus on young people/young adults.
The Company is committed to be professional, respectful, and courteous in all its dealings and to support that we have adopted this Conduct Protocol for Members of the Company.
More specifically, our Statement on Diversity & Inclusion, affirms our culture and commitment to as diverse a membership as possible as follows:
‘The Company seeks to reflect the best of the history and tradition of the City and its institutions, and prides itself on being a modern organisation too. While it values and honours the best of the past, it is also committed to embracing change, and to be forward looking. A key part of this includes promoting a diverse and inclusive membership.
Our open culture is welcoming. Members, potential members, and their guests should always feel comfortable, valued and included, irrespective of their background, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, and disability.”
We value professionalism, respect and courtesy and together, with our Diversity & Inclusion Statement, these values capture what is expected of all of our Members, both Freemen and Liverymen, when they are conducting the affairs of the Company, as well as when participating in our events.
Furthermore, our Members should ensure their guests at Company events are aware of and respect the ethos and values of the Company.
With this in mind, our Members and their guests as well as our staff, staff at venues at which our events are held should expect to be treated by all Members and their guests with respect and courtesy at all times and feel free to report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour.
Raising concerns
It is hoped that concerns can be handled and resolved informally, at least in the first instance. However, if anyone has any concerns about any other individual’s behaviour (whether a Member or a guest of a Member) at a Company event or otherwise in the course of the conducting of the Company’s affairs, they should refer the issue promptly to the Clerk, or to any of the then current Master, Upper Warden, Middle Warden or Renter Warden or anonymously by email to: office@distillers.com.
Any complaints or concerns will be treated with the utmost confidence.
If the issue is regarded as minor, it will be flagged with the individual involved to make it plain that such behaviour is not tolerated. If the issue is regarded as serious, it will be referred to the Master, the Upper Warden, Middle Warden or Renter Warden collectively to take an initial decision on suitable action. That initial decision will be referred to the Court for final determination. Updates will be provided to any complainant of the status and progress of their complaint.
Communication of the Protocol
All members, including new members, will be made aware of this Protocol and the responsibilities of members to observe and commit to its aims. We will ensure that a copy of this Protocol, and the latest version of our Statement on Diversity & Inclusion, is provided to all members and new members of the company
