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THE JOURNEY OF A FREEMASON

The Members’ Pathway Step 6: Interviewing the applicant

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INTRODUCTION

This booklet forms part of a series, each of which provides guidelines and a toolkit for a particular step in the “Members’ Pathway” (the Pathway). The guidelines have been developed by collating and describing best practice developed in many Lodges across the constitution. Lodges are strongly encouraged to use these guidelines when introducing new members to Freemasonry. This particular booklet covers the formal applicant interview. Prior to this point in the Pathway, a prospective candidate will have discussed membership of the Craft with his sponsors, he will have completed a Grand Lodge Registration Form and he will have been prepared for the interview. Throughout this process it is imperative that sponsors be open and honest, clear and direct about the commitment a prospective candidate is being asked to take on.

The purpose of the formal applicant interview is to determine, and to recommend to the Lodge, whether an applicant is suitable for Freemasonry in general and for the specific Lodge in particular.

Adopting a correct and robust procedure for interviewing applicants, through which both the Lodge and the applicant can exercise informed choice, may result in more rejections than at present. However, it is preferable to admit only men who are well suited to Freemasonry, likely to enjoy a long and happy time in the Craft free from unexpected surprises and disappointments, than to admit someone who realises, too late, that Freemasonry is not for him and who leaves having formed a bad impression of it. The interview process is designed to identify “false positives”: those applicants who despite having expressed an interest are unlikely to enjoy the Craft or develop a long-term commitment.

This booklet is complemented by a training package, covering the skills of interviewing, and a series of prompt cards for use during interviews. The training package is available to Metropolitan, Provincial and District Grand Lodges to offer the training to their members.

THE PATHWAY IN OVERVIEW The Pathway is a series of steps for a Lodge to follow to help it to attract, recruit, select, introduce and retain good quality candidates to the Craft. The steps are:

For all Lodges: Co-ordinated by the Lodge M

embership O

fficer

1. Profiling the Lodge and its ideal candidates When a man is known by existing members:

2. Identifying prospective candidates 3. Approaching prospective candidates When a man is not previously known by existing members:

4. Responding to enquiries from potential candidates For all prospective and potential candidates:

5. Preparing the prospective candidate for interview 6. Interviewing the applicant 7. Preparing the candidate for initiation Co-

ordinated by the Lodge M

entor

8. Supporting the new Freemason 9. Educating and developing our members 10. Retaining our members 11. Retrieving members Co-

ordinated by the Province

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BEFORE THIS STEP

Before an applicant gets to a Lodge interview, he will have:

1. Met with his sponsors on a number of occasions.2. Met socially with some other members of the Lodge, if at all possible.3. Discussed Freemasonry, his expectations and the commitments of membership in some detail.4. Undertaken some guided personal research into Freemasonry.5. Agreed with his sponsors whether he meets the essential qualifications of membership.6. Agreed with his sponsors whether they believe this to be a suitable Lodge for him.7. Discussed membership with his family and obtained their support.

The essential qualifications of membership should have been addressed in discussion with the sponsors before the interview (Step 5). The sponsors should only put forward an applicant for interview once they are convinced that he meets these qualifications. The Chairman of the Interview Panel will want the sponsors to confirm that they have completed this process, so that the interview can then focus on the suitability of the applicant for the specific Lodge.

OUTCOMES FROM THE INTERVIEW For the Interview Panel there are three possible outcomes from an applicant interview:

a. The Interview Panel is satisfied that the applicant meets the qualifications for membershipof the Craft, is suited to the Lodge and that the Lodge is suited to the applicant. It willrecommend the applicant to the Lodge Committee for proposal, ballot and admission as acandidate for initiation.

b. The Interview Panel is satisfied that the applicant meets the qualifications for membershipof the Craft but believes that he would be best suited to joining another Lodge. It willrecommend that the applicant approach another Lodge and will refer him to the ProvincialMembership Officer.

c. The Interview Panel is not satisfied that the applicant meets the qualifications formembership of the Craft and will not pursue the application any further.

At the end of the interview process, the applicant should himself believe that:

a. Freemasonry is definitely something of which he wishes to become part; that he expectshe will become committed to the Craft as a long term part of his life; that this Lodge isappropriate for him and that he is likely to enjoy membership of this Lodge, or

b. Freemasonry is definitely something to which he wishes to belong and to be committed;that this is not the Lodge for him to join; that he hopes that another Lodge will be suitablefor him, or

c. He does not, after all, wish to become a member of the Craft.

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COMPOSITION OF THE INTERVIEW PANEL The Interview Panel should comprise no more than three members of the Lodge. Any more than three members and the interview could be overwhelming. Although constitutionally the Master is entitled to preside over every committee of the Lodge, we recommend that he delegate the chairmanship of the Interview Panel to the member of the Lodge who is most skilled in interviewing techniques. This will ensure the best quality interview process and experience for the applicant. If there is more than one member with similar current high levels of skills, the Chairman should be the most senior Masonically. The membership of the Panel should be as follows: - The Chairman of the Interview Panel. - Two other skilled interviewers. A training programme is available to help panel members to acquire the key skills. The Lodge Membership Officer (see the booklet, “An Introduction to the Members’ Pathway” for the role profile) should be present to advise on interview techniques and to ensure the robustness of the interview. The applicant’s sponsors should attend to support him. Neither the Lodge Membership Officer nor the sponsors should be involved in conducting the interview.

SKILLS NEEDED AND THE SELECTION OF INTERVIEW PANEL MEMBERS Three main areas of skill are needed with effective interviews. The first are concerned with chairing the interview and its follow-up activities and include: x Planning and organising the structure of the interview x Observing all present and their participation x Listening and questioning x Encouraging and discouraging contributions x Giving feedback x Clarifying and summarising x Managing progress and time x Promoting conclusions and agreement. The second are for those involved in asking the questions and include listening and questioning techniques. The third are to do with taking notes, recording and communicating discussions and decisions. Lodges should give some consideration to who among their members have these skills, and who do not. They should select members of the interview panel accordingly. Masonic seniority should not determine whether a particular member would make a suitable member of the panel. Nevertheless, the Chairman should be most senior of those qualified, by reason of their current interviewing skills and qualities, to chair the interview. It would be useful to have a member of similar age to the applicant and he too should have the appropriate skills for interviewing. A training package is available to Metropolitan / Provincial / District Grand Lodges to develop the skills needed by members of the interview panel.

The Lodge may wish to identify a pool of approved interviewers, from whom the second and third interviewers are selected on a specific occasion according to their match with the age or background of the interviewee. Ideally the Lodge Membership Officer should hold all three sets of skills and be able to chair the interview if the agreed Chairman is unavailable or requires some help.

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ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR THE INTERVIEW PANEL1. Take the interview process very seriously indeed. The future of the Lodge may depend upon

the results of the interview. Remember that the purpose of an applicant interview is to determine, and to recommend to the Lodge, whether an applicant is suitable for Freemasonry in general and for the specific Lodge in particular.

2. Ensure applicants receive a written invitation (see Appendix A) to attend the interview, with a clear explanation of the purpose of the interview and its three possible outcomes.

3. Before the day of the interview, study the Grand Lodge Registration Form, any additional local forms, questionnaires and reports from sponsors and the Lodge Membership Officer and any results from enquiries. Prepare any additional questions appropriate to this candidate.

4. Take particular heed of any adverse comments or proposed objections received from Lodge members.

5. The chairman should confirm with the Lodge Membership Officer, and the sponsors if necessary, that the vetting process has been completed (see Step 5) and in particular that the essential qualifications of membership have been met.

6. Wear smart, although not Masonic, dress, including jacket and tie. The sponsors should advise the applicant that jacket and tie is the correct dress code for formal meetings, such as his interview. This includes the top button of the shirt being fastened! First impressions are very important to all parties.

7. Have available all relevant documents, including the membership application, notes from the preparation process, a copy of the Book of Constitutions, Lodge by-laws, interview guidelines and mentoring materials.

8. In the days before the meeting, the Chairman should allocate the standard interview questions (see Appendix B) among members of the Interview Panel.

9. Conduct the interview according to (1) Masonic values, to set an example to the applicant of Freemasonry in practice, and (2) these guidelines, or those defined by your Metropolitan / Provincial / District Grand Lodge.

10. Use additional probing questions to clarify / confirm the applicant’s responses and to gain further information.

11. If part way through the interview it becomes clear to all present, including the applicant, that it serves no purpose to continue, then the interview should be terminated before all of the questions have been asked. Grounds for early termination include:

a. The applicant confirms that he does not believe in the Supreme Being b. The applicant has a recent criminal conviction or disciplinary action c. The applicant no longer wishes to pursue the application.

In such a case, the Chairman should explain why the interview is being terminated, thank the applicant for his interest and his time and wish him well for the future.

12. Pay especial attention to the applicant’s reasons for wishing to become a Freemason and for joining your particular Lodge. Recent research has shown that these can be quite varied (see appendix C). It is important that the applicant’s motives are consistent with the Craft’s values and that the Lodge is able to meet the applicant’s expectations.

13. At the end of the interview, thank the applicant for attending and inform him that he will hear from the Lodge Secretary within the next few days. This gives the panel time to deliberate and treats all applicants the same. We do not recommend asking the applicant to wait while the panel reaches its decision.

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14. The panel should continue its meeting without the applicant, to decide which of the three following outcomes applies:

a. The applicant meets the qualifications for membership of the Craft, is suited to the Lodge and the Lodge is suited to the applicant. The panel will recommend the applicant to the Lodge Committee for proposal, ballot and admission as a candidate for initiation.

b. The applicant meets the qualifications for membership of the Craft but the panel believes that he would be best suited to joining another Lodge. It will recommend that the candidate approach another Lodge and will refer him to the Provincial Membership Officer.

c. The applicant does not meet the qualifications for membership of the Craft and the panel will not pursue the application any further.

15. The Chairman should report the result of the interview to the Lodge Committee and the Secretary should inform the applicant, write up the minutes of the Interview Panel meeting and prepare all paper work.

16. If the recommendation is favourable, arrange for the Master to sign the Master’s certificate on the Grand Lodge Registration Form. The applicant can now be considered a candidate for Initiation.

The overriding advice for all those involved is to accept as candidates for initiation only men who fit both Freemasonry’s general requirements and those specifically defined in advance by the Lodge and documented in the Lodge profile (see Step 1). Compromise on either of these points is likely to lead to problems in the future.

INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES The interview is a formal and structured occasion conducted in a warm and relaxed manner. At all times be polite and courteous to the applicant. The Chairman of the Interview Panel is responsible for managing the conduct of the interview. He should: x Allocate the questions to be asked between the members of the Interview Panel x Create a relaxed, positive, but structured atmosphere x Keep the interview on track and everyone to the point at all times x Encourage the applicant to contribute x Listen to the applicant's views without leading him or expressing his own x Make sure all of the required questions are asked and all of the relevant issues are covered x Move from one part of the interview to another by summarising and making it clear that the

interview is moving on x Avoid raising expectations, suggesting panel approval or making false promises x Agree follow-up actions by both parties and make sure they are recorded by the Secretary x Summarise and conclude in a positive manner. With the possible exception of some social events, it will be the first formal Masonic occasion that the applicant attends. He will form lasting impressions within the first ten seconds, beginning with his welcome. As “you never get a second chance to make a good first impression”, be careful to prepare for and manage the whole meeting. Remember that he also has decisions to make: whether he will feel comfortable in your company, whether Freemasonry is an organisation into which he will be willing to invest a considerable amount of his time and money, and whether his wife or partner is also likely to feel welcome.

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Give consideration to the layout of the room. The best layout will be around a circular or square table, with the applicant sat between his proposer and seconder and the members of the panel evenly spaced. Select comfortable seats of equal height. Make sure there are no interruptions and that phones are switched off. Arrange for the applicant’s proposer to meet him on his arrival and to introduce him to the Chairman of the panel. During the interview the applicant and the existing members will create expectations of each other and an informal “contract” or understanding. These will form the basis of the applicant’s future membership of the Lodge. If those expectations are not met, or the informal contract is broken, one or both of the parties will be disappointed, possibly unhappy and maybe disillusioned. The long term interest, commitment, involvement or even membership of the applicant is then likely to suffer. Most of the interview will comprise a discussion built around planned questions asked by members of the panel and others by the applicant. Good questions are developed first by defining the information to be sought and then creating appropriate questions to gather and confirm that information. In the list of interview questions (see Appendix B) we list the information sought, the reason why it is sought and good questions to use to obtain that information. It is quite in order (but should only rarely be necessary) to explain to the applicant why you are asking the questions but for some of them it would be best to do so after he has answered, so as not to lead him in any way. Questions may be categorised in simple terms as: a. Open questions begin with the words “what”, “why”, “when”, “where”, “who” and “how” or

with “tell me …”. They invite descriptions and explanations in the applicant’s own words and should form the majority of the interview.

b. Closed questions begin with words such as “do you …”, “can you …”, “have you …”, “did you …”. They invite “Yes” or “No” answers and are used to vary the intensity of the interview and to clarify points. They are especially useful when confirming information around essential qualifications.

c. Probing questions are normally open in their type and ask the applicant to provide more detail on points of relevance.

A combination of open and closed questions should be used to open up issues. Probing questions should also be used to gather more in-depth information and to confirm details. Avoid asking leading questions that provide in their wording a clue to a desired or acceptable answer. The interview should have a beginning, middle and an end. The beginning should confirm the purpose of the interview, introduce all parties by name and establish rapport. It should include the following: a. A warm and friendly welcome to the applicant by the Chairman, with very brief light

conversation to put him at ease. b. Introductions of the members of the Interview Panel and others present, as well as their roles

on the panel in simple, everyday and non-Masonic terms. c. Clarification of the purpose of the interview, which is to determine whether the applicant

meets the qualifications for membership and whether he and the Lodge are suited to each other.

d. A brief and simple explanation that if accepted by the panel and by the Lodge the applicant would go through the ceremony of Initiation, that having done so he would be a Freemason for life and would be a member of the Lodge, of the Metropolitan Area, Province or District in which the Lodge meets and of the United Grand Lodge of England.

e. Confirmation by the sponsors that they are satisfied that the applicant meets the essential qualifications for membership. If either sponsor is absent the Lodge Membership Officer should confirm that he has discussed the matter with the absent sponsor and is satisfied that this process has been completed.

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The middle section of the interview should comprise a discussion built around the questions listed in Appendix B. These start with the applicant being asked to tell the panel about himself in his own words. This is likely to provide a rich source of information and should not be interrupted if at all possible. The questions continue with some concerned with the applicant’s interest in Freemasonry and motives for joining and then move into matters that relate to his membership and likely commitment and contribution to the specific Lodge. There may also be some questions unique to the specific Lodge but the ones listed in the appendix will address most of the information that is required by the interview panel. Encourage the applicant to do most of the talking. If his answers to the standard questions do not provide the information you require, politely ask again but using different words. Ask open questions to get the applicant to open up. Ask closed questions to establish facts. Probe to get more detail and to test understanding. Provide feedback where appropriate. Observe the applicant’s body language. Is he open in his posture and hand gestures? Does he establish eye contact when communicating with panel members and does he connect with them? Does his body language suddenly change when asked particular questions? Be aware of your own body language, so as not to give the wrong message, react to the applicant’s answers or give away any contrary personal views. Work at being an active listener. Seek to understand the applicant’s point of view rather than seeking acceptance of your own. Demonstrate interest in what the applicant is saying, patience and empathy with him as he expresses himself, positive body language and an understanding of his point of view. Involve yourself by responding to the applicant and by encouraging him to contribute more. Avoid saying too much about your own perspective, views or experiences. The end stage of the interview should include: a. Asking the applicant whether he has any questions that he would like to ask. b. An explanation of the next steps, namely that the panel will decide whether or not it will

recommend the applicant to the Lodge Committee as a candidate for Initiation, how that decision will be communicated to the applicant and how the proposal, ballot and admission will follow.

c. Thanks to the applicant for his interest and his time.

FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW After the applicant has left the interview, the Interview Panel should consider two questions. First, does the candidate meet the qualifications for membership of the Craft in general? Secondly, is he suitable as a member of our Lodge? In considering the first question, the panel must be satisfied that the applicant meets all of the requirements defined by Grand Lodge, the Book of Constitutions and our landmarks and customs. They should also consider whether he has sufficient understanding of Freemasonry to recognise the commitment he is making and whether he has appropriate reasons and motives for joining, and appropriate expectations of the Craft and the Lodge. Evidence that the applicant meets these requirements will come from the sponsors and from the applicant’s answers to the interview questions. In the event that age is the only requirement that the candidate does not meet, the Interview Panel should also consider whether it will recommend the applicant to the Metropolitan / Provincial / District Grand Master and seek his dispensation for an early initiation, or whether they would advise the applicant to wait until he meets the age requirement.

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In considering the second question, the panel must satisfy itself that the applicant would be acceptable to the current members and whether he himself is likely, on the basis of the information available, to enjoy his membership and make a positive contribution to the Lodge. The panel should discuss any concerns and identify any risks. If they are in any doubt they should ask the sponsors for any additional information that might help them to make a decision whether or not to recommend the applicant to the Lodge as a candidate. Only if they agree that the applicant is both qualified and suitable should they agree to recommend him. Following all interviews, the Chairman should report the outcome of the panel meeting to the Lodge Committee and another member should write up the minutes of the panel meeting. These will be important for any subsequent review of interview practice in general and in the event that the particular candidate decides to resign at an early stage. If the panel decides to recommend the applicant for Initiation then the Secretary should also complete the following: a) Phone the applicant, who now becomes a candidate, and follow up in writing (see Appendix

D), with copies to the sponsors. b) Obtain the Master’s signature on the Certificate on page three of the Grand Lodge Registration

Form. c) Arrange for the candidate to be proposed at the next convenient meeting of the Lodge and for

a ballot to be held at the meeting following the proposal. d) Inform the Lodge Mentor and ask him to arrange for the candidate to be assigned a Personal

Mentor, and that the Personal Mentor makes contact with the candidate at an early opportunity to begin the process of preparing him for his initiation.

If the panel decides not to recommend the applicant to the Lodge, then the Chairman should discuss and agree with the applicant’s sponsors who should be the person to inform the applicant and how he will be informed. In such cases it is best for someone to speak to the applicant rather than write. See Appendix E for some guidelines for informing unsuccessful applicants verbally. If the panel is of the opinion that the applicant would make a suitable candidate for another Lodge, the Lodge Membership Officer should refer the applicant to the Provincial Membership Officer. It will be for the applicant and any Lodge subsequently approached each to decide whether to pursue an application.

NEXT STEPS At the end of these activities the Lodge will follow the formal procedures for proposing the candidate and balloting for his membership. The Secretary should keep the candidate informed of the progress of formalities. The sponsors, together with the Personal Mentor, should prepare the candidate for initiation. That step is covered in the booklet, “Step 7: Preparing the candidate for initiation”. This step is the first in the mentoring process. Responsibility for co-ordinating the activities on the Pathway, other than those administrative tasks completed by the Lodge Secretary, now passes from the Lodge Membership Officer to the Lodge Mentor.

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APPENDIX A LETTER TO INVITE APPLICANT TO INTERVIEW

The following letter may be used to invite an applicant to attend an interview. Dear Mr. [Surname] Application to join [Lodge name] Lodge No. [Lodge number] Thank you for submitting your application to join [Lodge name] Lodge No. [Lodge number] and to become a Freemason. I write to invite you to meet with members of the Lodge who wish to interview you to determine your qualifications for membership of Freemasonry and your suitability for membership of this Lodge. The interview will be held at [time] on [date] at [full postal address of place]. If you are unable to attend on this occasion please contact me so that we can arrange a mutually convenient date. Present at the interview will be the Chairman of the Interview Panel and two other members of the Lodge. Your proposer &/or seconder will be there to introduce you to the panel. Our Lodge Membership Officer will also be in attendance. The interview should be considered a formal occasion but will be conducted in a warm and friendly manner. There are three possible outcomes following the interview: 1) You qualify as a candidate for Freemasonry and we agree that you are suited to our particular

Lodge 2) You qualify as a candidate for Freemasonry but we believe you would be better suited to

another Lodge 3) You do not appear currently to qualify as a candidate for Freemasonry and we will not pursue

your application at this point. You will hear within a few days of the interview which outcome has been agreed. Of course, it is equally important that you be fully happy that Freemasonry, and our Lodge in particular, is right for you. Therefore, we encourage you to come with questions and we will do our best to answer them. Your proposer &/or seconder will wish to prepare you for the interview. If you have any questions please contact one of them and they will be pleased to assist. I look forward to meeting you and to progressing your interest in Freemasonry. Yours sincerely Secretary

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APPENDIX B QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWING APPLICANTS

These questions are designed to determine whether an applicant is suitable as a candidate for membership of the specific Lodge. Earlier, in the vetting process covered at Step 5, the candidate will have confirmed that he meets the essential qualifications for membership.

Information sought

Reason why it is sought

Questions to ask to gather the information

Overview of self and lifestyle (family, hobbies, work, charitable interests, other organisations).

To set a context for the rest of the interview and to provide information that can be explored further.

1) Please tell us about yourself; who you are, your family, hobbies, work and other interests?

2) What other membership organisations do you belong to, or have you belonged to in the past?

3) What voluntary or charitable work have you undertaken?

Suitability for this specific Lodge.

To explore and expand on the applicant’s suitability for this specific Lodge and its characteristics.

Questions relevant to the Lodge, its members, location, special requirements, affiliations (eg, school, youth organisation, university, armed service, etc), etc. For example: 4) This Lodge was founded for those with an interest

in … What has been your involvement in …? Personal characteristics, qualities and values.

To get the applicant talking about his values without first telling him about ours.

5) How would others describe you? 6) What are your personal strengths and most

noteworthy characteristics? 7) How would you describe your personal values?

Alignment with Masonic values.

To check that his values are compatible with ours.

8) Please give examples of how you live the following values in your own life: Integrity, Respect, Care & concern for others, Belief, Co-operation, Charity.

9) Which of these Masonic values are the most important to you?

Reason for interest in Freemasonry and motives for joining.

To identify the applicant’s motives and to ensure they are compatible with the Craft’s values and expectations.

10) What do you know about Freemasonry? 11) What interests you about or attracted you to

Freemasonry? 12) Why do you want to become a Freemason? 13) Why are you interested in joining this particular

Lodge? 14) Do you understand that once initiated you are a

Freemason for life, whether or not you continue as a member of this or any other Lodge?

Existing links with Freemasons.

To identify any background in or experience of Freemasonry.

15) How long have you known your proposer and seconder?

16) Who else do you know who are Freemasons? 17) What other links have you had with the Craft?

Hopes and expectations on becoming a Freemason.

To ensure that the applicant’s expectations are compatible and can be met by the Craft and by the Lodge.

18) What do you hope to gain from being a Freemason? 19) What expectations do you have of the Lodge you

are seeking to join? 20) What do you expect from Freemasonry as a whole?

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Likely contribution he could make as a member.

To identify the strengths the applicant will bring to the Lodge and any likely future contribution.

21) What do you think you can offer the Lodge? 22) Given that the Lodge acts as a branch of a larger

organisation, and requires people with different skills to make it operate, what particular contribution do you think you can offer?

Family and their opinions or support for membership.

To ensure the applicant’s family is supportive and will not hinder the applicant’s development if he joins.

23) Have you discussed Freemasonry with members of your family?

24) What do they think of your joining? 25) Are they prepared to support your membership and

take part in social activities?

Note: members are encouraged to discuss their membership and their experience of Freemasonry with others, as long as they do not seek to use their membership for personal gain. Support for the Lodge’s charitable activities.

To prepare the applicant for future charitable contributions.

26) One of Freemasonry’s principles is the charitable giving of time and money, according to ability. Are you willing to support the Lodge’s charitable activities and to give of your time and money when you are able?

Ability to meet time and cost commitments.

To ensure that the applicant is able and willing to meet the commitments expected, in time and money.

27) We ask that members commit to regular attendance at Lodge meetings, rehearsals, Lodges of Instruction and social events. In this Lodge these take place on (dates). If you get more involved in the Lodge it will become increasingly important that you are present on these occasions. Are you able and willing to commit to regular attendance on these occasions?

28) The cost of Freemasonry includes a joining fee, annual subscriptions, dining fees for each meeting, charitable giving and the cost of regalia. Your sponsors have already supplied you with a full list of this expenditure. Are you able, willing and free to afford and commit to these costs?

Note: If the applicant is unable to the time or costs expected by this Lodge, it may be that he could be better suited to another Lodge. In such a case the Lodge Secretary is asked to refer the applicant to the Provincial Membership Officer. Any other information.

“Catch all” final question.

29) Is there anything else you think we should know that might be relevant to your joining and continuing in membership?

30) What would you like to ask us or know more about? After asking these questions, the chairman should enquire what questions the applicant would like to ask the panel. These should be answered honestly and directly.

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APPENDIX C REASONS FOR WISHING TO BECOME A FREEMASON

People want to join Freemasonry for many different reasons. The Membership Focus Group has conducted research to map out what some of these reasons might be. Often, people have a combination or blend of things that lead them to want to join. The research identified a number of sets of reasons and these are listed below. These descriptions are in no priority order. Interview Panels might find it helpful to have these reasons in mind when asking applicants what motivated them to seek membership. 1) History and tradition 2) Respect and status 3) To be a “Better man” 4) Pure curiosity 5) Mystic interest 6) Escape! 7) Family connection 8) Because of a friend 9) Social altruism.

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APPENDIX D FIRST LETTER TO SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

The following letter may be used to inform a successful applicant that the Lodge Committee, having been advised by the Interview Panel, will recommend him for membership of the Lodge. Dear Mr. [Surname] Application to join [Lodge name] Lodge No. [Lodge number] Thank you for attending the meeting recently when you met with some of the members of [Lodge name] Lodge. The Lodge Committee is very happy that you should be proposed for membership of the Lodge. Therefore, that will take place at a meeting of the Lodge on [Date 1]. The members of the Lodge will then be asked to approve your membership in a ballot at our following meeting on [Date 2]. I shall let you know the outcome of the ballot immediately after that meeting. If the ballot is in your favour we would like to admit you and conduct the ceremony of your Initiation on [Date 3]. So that we may all plan our diaries in the event of a successful ballot, please confirm that you can attend for the ceremony on [Date 3]. I shall supply you with all the other information you will require for that meeting when I confirm to you the result of the ballot. In the course of the next few days, I shall arrange for you to be formally introduced to your Personal Mentor whose task it is to make your entrance into the Masonic family easy and pleasurable, as well as provide additional support to that given by your Proposer and Seconder. May I remind you that this Lodge holds its regular meetings on [meeting dates] and its rehearsals / Lodges of Instruction on [additional dates]. If you could add these to your diary now it will help ensure your regular attendance and that you do not get double-booked! If you have any questions, please ask me or your proposer. We will do our best to assist you with any issue. Yours sincerely Secretary

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APPENDIX E

COMMUNICATING OUTCOMES In the event that the Interview Panel decides not to recommend the applicant for membership of the Lodge, the following type of language can be used to communicate the outcome verbally to the applicant. Please note, the following is not, and should not be used as a script. It simply provides examples of the sort of language that should be used. A. The interview panel was satisfied that the applicant meets the qualifications for membership

of the Craft but believes that he would be best suited to joining another Lodge: - The interview panel have asked me to thank you for coming to interview. - They were pleased to meet you and enjoyed finding out about you. - The panel were satisfied that you met the requirements to join the Craft and become a

Freemason. - The panel felt that your background / interests / expectations / availability / other

commitments make you better suited to another Lodge. - The panel have asked me to discuss with you the possibility of you joining another Lodge

instead of ours. - This would leave you free to visit our Lodge whenever you were able, and you would be

most welcome to do so. - The Lodge Membership Officer has asked for your permission to refer you to the

Metropolitan / Provincial / District Grand Lodge so that they can put you in touch with a Lodge more suited to your interests / expectations / availability / other commitments.

B. The applicant does not currently meet the qualifications for membership of the Craft:

- The interview panel have asked me to thank you for coming to interview. - They were pleased to meet you and enjoyed finding out about you. - Based upon your answers to our questions, the panel concluded that it will not be

recommending you for membership on this occasion - If pushed to give a reason, you could refer to the appropriate reasons from the following:

x You are not yet old enough to join the Craft, but would like to keep in touch and meet with you again when and if you wish to join when you are

x You are not yet ready / had enough experience of life to join the Craft x Your personal beliefs do not meet our requirement for members to believe in

the Supreme Being x Your criminal record will not permit us to accept you x Your expectations of membership do not match what Freemasonry can offer x Your circumstances / commitments make it unlikely that you would be able to

devote sufficient time and energy to being a member. - The panel would be interested in receiving another application from you when and if your

circumstances change.

Pilot 1.3 ADGH 25/2/2016 16

APPENDIX F SECOND LETTER TO SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

To inform the candidate that the ballot was successful. Application to join [Lodge name] Lodge No. [Lodge number] I am delighted to inform you that, at the meeting of the Lodge on [Date 2], the members voted for your initiation into Freemasonry as a member of this Lodge. As a result, we plan to conduct the ceremony of your initiation on [Date 3]. You should arrive at [full address of location] by [time] and be dressed in a dark suit, black shoes and socks, white shirt and black tie. You should also provide yourself with a pair of white gloves [delete the last sentence if it is not the practice of the Lodge for EAFs to wear gloves or if his proposer provides them for him]. At this stage you will not need any regalia as this will be provided for you. Your proposer and Personal Mentor will provide you with further advice. On the night one or both of them will meet you and introduce you to others before the start of the meeting. In particular they will introduce you to the Tyler, who will look after you until we are ready to start the ceremony, and the Junior Deacon who will conduct you through the ceremony. Before the ceremony our Treasurer will need to receive payment of your Initiation fees and your membership subscription for the year ending [Date 4]. This will total [Fee 1]. You may wish to invite friends who are Freemasons as your guests to your Initiation, and we encourage you to do so. The dining fee for the evening will be an additional [Fee 2] for you and each of your guests [adapt the last sentence if the Lodge or a sponsor is to pay the initiate’s dining costs]. Please bring with you to your initiation a chequebook, or other means of paying, so that these fees may be paid before the ceremony. At future meetings of the Lodge you will complete the second and third ceremonies of Craft Freemasonry, known as Passing and Raising. I will ensure that you are informed in good time when you will complete these degrees. To remind you, this Lodge holds its regular meetings on [meeting dates] and its rehearsals / Lodges of Instruction on [additional dates]. If you have not already done so, may I suggest that you add these to your diary now, to help ensure your regular attendance and so that you do not get double-booked. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you in to [Lodge name] Lodge, and we hope that you will have many years of very enjoyable membership. If you have any questions, please ask me or your proposer. We will do our best to assist you with any issue. Yours sincerely Secretary