OUR GIVING
INTRODUCTION
The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust is dedicated to transforming lives through education, research, and support for those in need. Our initiatives aim to foster professional development, community involvement, and support for the City of London and the Armed Forces.
Our longstanding commitments include funding for a three-year stonemasonry apprenticeship at York Minster, a landmark partnership with Primary Engineer to bring engineering into London classrooms, and the sponsorship of a training centre where, through Building Heroes, those leaving the military are trained in construction skills.
The Charitable Trust also supports the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme, which provides funding for students and young professionals in the finance sector, and proudly contributes annually to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, helping to fund important community projects across London.
The Company is affiliated with HMS Lancaster, RAF 5001 Squadron, 101 Engineering Regiment (EOD) and 14 Company South West London Army Cadet Force, supporting a range of awards and initiatives.
CONSTRUCTING OUR FUTURE
The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust is dedicated to supporting education, skills development, and heritage preservation in the construction industry. It funds initiatives like Primary Engineer, inspiring young people through hands-on engineering and design experiences, and contributes to building a skilled, diverse workforce. The Trust also supports specialist training, exemplified by its donation to the Apprentice Stonemason programme at York Minster’s Centre of Excellence, ensuring the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the restoration of historic buildings. Through these efforts, the Trust plays a crucial role in safeguarding the UK’s architectural heritage for future generations.
Complementing these initiatives is the Trust’s support for Building Heroes through its role as a founding Academy Sponsor of the Building Heroes work at Reseheath College which has a strong reputation amongst those leaving military service for delivering high quality training in construction skills. In contrast to these more high-profile initiatives, the Trust is supporting projects on a smaller scale such as Build Up, a charity which is engaging young people in different parts of London in the design and construction of adventure playgrounds for their own communities.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The Worshipful Company of Constructors is deeply committed to supporting education, training, and the professional development of the next generation within the construction industry. Through various initiatives and academic awards, the Company aims to inspire and reward students who demonstrate exceptional achievement and resilience in their studies. These awards are a reflection of the Company’s dedication to fostering talent and ensuring the continued growth of a skilled and diverse workforce in the sector.
One such initiative is the David Tong Cup, a prestigious award generously donated by David Tong, a highly respected Honorary Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Constructors. An accomplished architect, David not only designed the Company’s Badges and Armorial Bearings but also created the Loving Cup and its accompanying wooden case, which are central to this award. The David Tong Cup is presented annually to the graduate from London South Bank University (LSBU) who has demonstrated the greatest personal achievement in their final year. Crafted by the award-winning goldsmith John Willmin, this modern and distinctive Loving Cup serves as a lasting tribute to David’s vision of recognising students who have overcome significant challenges to succeed.
In addition, the Worshipful Company of Constructors also sponsors the Constructors’ Prize, awarded in collaboration with the University of Westminster. This prize is given to the highest-performing student in their final year of study in the university’s construction programme. The award particularly highlights students who have balanced their academic success with employment, whether part-time or full-time. Nominated by the Head of the Construction Department and adjudicated by the Company’s Scholarship and Awards Committee, this prize further demonstrates the Company’s commitment to encouraging resilience, excellence, and ambition in the next generation of construction professionals.
MILITARY AND ARMED FORCES
The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust is proud to support the armed forces through various initiatives that recognise the contributions of service members to society. The Company has long-standing ties with military personnel, offering career development opportunities, training, and support for veterans transitioning into civilian life.
Pictured: Master Tim Fitch with SSgt Mark Barrett
SHAFTING AND SHORING CUP: SSgt Mark Barrett
Staff Sergeant Mark Barrett, Permanent Staff Instructor at 579 Fd Sqn (EOD and Search), has delivered an exceptional year of service, becoming the central figure in sustaining and transforming Regimental training during a period of acute workforce shortages. One of only a handful of regular soldiers in a predominantly Reserve unit—and often the sole regular member of staff—he has ensured training has not only continued, but thrived.
Over the past year, Staff Sergeant Barrett has routinely performed multiple roles, providing Sergeant Major-level guidance to the Officer Commanding while single-handedly managing all training. Most notably, following the announcement of the Regiment’s return to Explosive Ordnance Disposal under the new Army design, he developed a comprehensive Conventional Munitions Disposal training programme within six weeks, coordinating internal and external instructors and designing a confirmation exercise to validate unit-wide competency.
A veteran of multiple operational deployments and a consistently outstanding soldier, Staff Sergeant Barrett exemplifies selfless commitment and is thoroughly deserving of the Shafting and Shoring Cup.
Pictured: Master Tim Fitch with Madeline Norey RN
HMS LANCASTER AWARDS: Madeline Norey RN
Lt Norey is HMS LANCASTER’s Deputy Marine Engineering Officer, and has been deployed for the last 7 months in the Middle East, responsible for the maintenance of Ship’s services, which weren’t designed for the harsh climate or high crew numbers. In this period she has been constantly tested; operating beyond her remit due to gapping, she has delivered consistent results despite considerable operational pressure and extreme environmental conditions, all generating a relentless work load for her team. Known for her outgoing personality, she is one of the most friendly and positive people onboard. Recognised across all ranks and rates for her resilience, determination and commitment, Lt Norey has been the example for others to follow and is rightly, the deserving recipient of the HMS LANCASTER Trophy.
Pictured: Past Master Deborah Pullen MBE with Stefan Scantlebury
AIR COMMODORE DOW TROPHY
Corporal Stefan Scantlebury has had an outstanding year, leading hangar projects across multiple countries while mentoring new Sergeants and maintaining operational output despite workforce shortages. He played a key role in NATO liaison efforts, notably supporting a Baltic Air Policing Mission, and led significant UK-based construction to enhance training. Additionally, he supported global teams and scouted future sites for critical aircraft arresting gear, consistently exceeding expectations.
RELIEF OF HARDSHIP
The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust is dedicated to providing relief to members who have fallen on hard times. Through its charitable initiatives, the Trust offers assistance and support to individuals facing personal or professional difficulties, ensuring they receive the help they need during challenging periods.
The Trust demonstrates the Company’s commitment to looking after its members, fostering a strong sense of community and care within the Company. This support is a vital part of the Worshipful Company of Constructors’ ethos and wider Livery Movement, ensuring that no member is left without assistance in times of need.