Carpenters Company

Institute of Carpenters

To all Liverymen and Freemen

Call for expressions of interest – closing date Friday October 9th 2026

Honorary Role: President – Institute of Carpenters (IOC) Start date: Jan/Feb 2027  

The opportunity has recently arisen for Liverymen and Freemen of the Carpenters’ Company to express an interest in becoming President of the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) in early 2027. 

The role has been held continuously by members of the Company since 1890. At a time when the UK is placing significantly more emphasis on craft skills, apprenticeships and vocational training, the IOC is playing an increasingly influential role across the woodworking and timber sector. 

With HRH The Duchess of Gloucester as Royal Patron, national competitions and prizes, more than 50 FE colleges in membership, including our own BCC in Stratford and a growing network of student learners, the IOC is a dynamic organisation with considerable opportunities for further development. 

The IOC is also working closely with the National Association of Shopfitters, supported by CITB on initiatives such as linking students and colleges with experienced members and the wider timber and construction industry. International partnerships with organisations in Germany, France and elsewhere, together with the forthcoming expansion of Erasmus+ in the UK, also offer exciting opportunities for student exchanges. 

A new five-year strategic plan is currently being developed and deployed, with membership growth, relevance and value at its heart. 

The IOC’s purpose is straightforward: to promote, support and develop its members and the wider woodworking profession through standards, qualifications, professional development, education and practical membership benefits. 

For interest and for more information, IOC’s quarterly publication ‘Cutting Edge’ is available to view in the members area/resources/news section of the WCC website.

IOC Coat of Arms – kept in Carpenters’ Hall

If you would like to explore this opportunity with the Company and the IOC, please register your interest with myself, Ralph Arundell or the Craft and Charities Administrator, Rebecca Datta, E: rebecca@carpentersco.com by 9 October.