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.

Voting is about to open (expected to start from 8th June)

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

Why this Election matters

Nationwide belongs to its Members

More than 16 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.

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 a Member Nominated Director on the Board for more than 20 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. Virtual-only AGMs

I believe these questions deserve open discussion and constructive challenge.

See the Navendu Mishra MP letter to the Chancellor about ’emerging governance issues’ in the building society sector.

How to Vote

Voting is simple — but understanding your options matters.

Look out for your voting pack from Nationwide – these are expected from 8th June onwards
Review the election information carefully.
DO NOT USE THE QUICK VOTE
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 vote by 13th July 2026 or attend the Virtual-only AGM 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