There are five means of entry to the Freedom:
- by Servitude, open to individuals between the ages of 14 and 21 who have been bound as an Apprentice to a member of the Company (their “Master”).
- by Patrimony, open to one child of a Liveryman of the Company who was born after the parent became a member of the Company.
- by Redemption, where an individual is sponsored by a member of the Court having been proposed by a member of the Company.
- by Presentation, when the Court honours an individual for some specific reason.
- and Honorary Freedom, offered by the Court to individuals who have held prestigious positions of relevance to the Company or have undertaken some special service for the benefit of the Company.
The majority of Freemen are admitted to the Company by Redemption having been introduced by a Company member, and who have a successful interview with the Membership Committee. Once admitted, they can attend the Company functions at the Hall open to Freemen, and are encouraged to participate as much as possible in other Company activities.
Freemen who are regular participants in Company activities, and who clearly subscribe to the Company's character and charitable purposes, will normally be considered for advancement to the Livery after around 2 or 3 years. Liverymen assume the responsibility of forming part of the civic authority electorate, can introduce prospective members to the Company, may attend Livery functions and are eligible for election to the Court.