City of London 'City Management Course'

I would like to commend to you the City of London Livery Committee Course entitled “City Management”, which I was fortunate enough to attend on 21 September 2009.

The whole day and course is devoted to providing a clear understanding of the “nuts and bolts” of the day to day dealings of the City of London Corporation by arranging for presentations from the people at the “sharp end” of operations. The variety of activities undertaken within the City of London itself and internationally meant that each presenter gave a fascinating insight of what goes on behind the “closed doors” of the Corporation. For the participants the day flew by interrupted only by coffee, tea and an excellent lunch with good networking opportunities to meet other Masters, Wardens and representatives of other Companies, which is a rarity in modern day City life.

The day was seamlessly chaired by Nigel Pullman, the chairman of the City communications working group, and started with Peter Nelson, the Assistant Town Clerk, who gave an overview of the City Corporation and his duties. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Ian Luder, put in an appearance and very quickly gave a stimulating contribution about the role of the Lord Mayor and the relationship with the City Corporation, the statistics were staggering.

The next presentation was by Common Councilman Catherine McGuinness explaining her experiences and how the Common Council fits into the work of the City Corporation and how the City Corporation has grown over the centuries to become the complex and multifaceted structure we see in 2009. The morning presentations finished with the Assistant Police Commissioner describing threats to the City and measures taken to keep it secure for its citizens.

After lunch Geoffrey Bond, the chairman of the Livery Committee explained how it and the Livery fit into the City and Stuart Fraser, the chairman of the City Policies and Resources Committee tried to answer his own question, is the City of London still the leading financial force after the current banking crisis?

The day ended with two more sessions. Alderman Alison Gowman explained the role and significance of the Court of Aldermen in City life and Peter Rees, the City Planning Officer, looked at the shape of the future City of London.

At the end of the day every participant left with a much better understanding that the City Corporation is extremely active at many levels and in numerous projects to promote the life and wellbeing of those working and living in the City of London and in creating a bright future. If you have the opportunity or inclination to try and understand the structure and affairs of the City Corporation and can spare a day for this course, don’t hesitate and contact the Clerk for information on how to book. As Dr Johnson said “...those who are tired of London are tired of life.”

Kay Linnell
Senior Warden