Assay Office seeks new guardians

Birmingham Assay Office - best known for its hallmarking of precious metals and with four other operational divisions - is recruiting new guardians to support its growth and development.

Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1773, the corporate structure of the company - which trades as Birmingham Assay Office - is controlled by a group of 36 elected Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate in Birmingham.

The guardians subsequently elect wardens from their number to serve on a non-exec committee to which the chief executive and assay master reports.

The guardians ' fundamental role is to preserve and protect the office.

The office is seeking applications from both non-trade and trade roles.

Non-trade applicants will ideally have experience in finance, law, marketing or politics and will provide independent advice, professional guidance and introductions within their field of expertise for the benefit of the Assay Office.

Guardians also support specific functional committees and should be prepared to stand as a Warden if required.

Applications will close on 28 February.

Those who would like to be considered for the role of a guardian, can request an application form from Emma Wathen at emma.wathen@theassayoffice.co.uk.