A New Choice for Nationwide Members

For the first time in more than 20 years, Members have a genuine choice in a Nationwide Board election.

I’m James Sherwin-Smith, a Member-Nominated Candidate standing to bring stronger Member representation, independent challenge and effective governance to the Board of Nationwide Building Society.

✔ Member Nominated Candidate
✔ 20+ years in Financial Services
✔ Former CEO and payments infrastructure executive
✔ Featured in:

Latest Press Coverage | Press Releases

Why this Election matters

Nationwide belongs to its Members

Almost 19 million people own Nationwide through its mutual structure. Unlike a bank, there are no external shareholders.

Yet Members rarely get a choice

Board elections are usually uncontested. This is the first opportunity in more than 20 years for Members to elect a Member-Nominated Director.

Decisions made now will shape Nationwide’s future

The Society is going through a period of significant change following the acquisition and integration of Virgin Money. The Board’s decisions today will affect Members for years to come.

And the Nationwide Board isn’t fighting fair

James requested the Board suspend the Quick vote in the interests of fairness. Not only did it refuse, it has weaponised the Quick vote to generate votes Against James. It has disparaged his suitability. And it has designed the election and materials with significant bias against his candidacy.

Why this election matters for Nationwide members

Why I’m standing for Election

I believe Nationwide is an important institution that plays a vital role in UK financial services.

I am standing because I believe Members deserve:

✔ Strong representation at Board level
✔ Independent challenge and scrutiny
✔ Greater accountability to Members
✔ Long-term stewardship of the Society

This campaign is not about opposing Nationwide.

It is about strengthening Nationwide by ensuring Members have a stronger voice in its future.

WHY VOTE FOR JAMES

What are other Members concerned about

Nationwide remains financially strong and successful. However, many Members have raised questions about:

The lack of Member Nominated Directors on the Board for more than 23 years.
How Members participate in Board elections e.g the use of the Quick Vote
Whether Members have enough influence over major decisions e.g. the Fairer Share, Executive Pay
The governance arrangements of an increasingly large and complex organisation e.g. Nationwide is the only building society to hold a Virtual-only Annual General Meeting (AGM)

See also written Parliamentary Questions to the Treasury from:

Daisy Cooper MP (24 June)
Navendu Mishra MP (1 June)

Watch Navendu Mishra MP’s request for Government time to debate these issues (3 July 2026) and read his letter to the Chancellor (1 May 2026) about ’emerging governance issues’ in the building society sector.

I believe these questions deserve open discussion and constructive challenge.

How to Vote

Voting is simple — but understanding your options matters.

You should have now received your voting instructions from Nationwide – either by post or via email. If you haven’t you can request secure codes and immediately vote online. See How to access electronic voting for the Nationwide AGM by requesting secure codes from the scrutineer, Civica Election Services (CES).
Review the election information carefully. READ. THINK. DECIDE. VOTE.
But please… DO NOT USE THE QUICK VOTE. #slowVOTE instead.
Use the Standard Vote section to vote for James Sherwin-Smith for election to the Board.
Consider whether you want to vote Against other candidates and resolutions
Submit your voting instructions in advance – must be received at CES by 10.30am 13th July 2026, or
Attend the Virtual-only AGM at 10.30am on 15th July 2026 and vote at the meeting.

Many Members use the ‘Quick vote’ option. DO NOT USE THE QUICK VOTE. Scroll past the top section and use the ‘Standard vote’ section instead.

VOTING GUIDE

About James

I have worked in Financial Services for more than 20 years.

My experience includes:

Former CEO of Growth Street, a FCA registered business
Senior executive in UK payments infrastructure at Vocalink, a Mastercard company, supervised by the Bank of England
Experience in governance, regulation and financial services including writing Co-operative Bank: Customer Champion
Advocate for community groups and for greater Member representation and accountability within the building society sector.

I am standing as the first independent Member Nominated Candidate for over 20 years.

ABOUT JAMES SHERWIN-SMITH