Four Pillars for Stronger Member Democracy
Pillar 1: Increase Member Representation at Nationwide
The campaign to elect independent Member Nominated Directors continues.
The next opportunity to Elect a Member Nominated Director at Nationwide Building Society will be at the next AGM. The date will be confirmed by the society next year, but I anticipate the 3rd Wednesday in July (i.e. Wednesday 21st July, 2027) in keeping with prior years.
➡️ Please nominate James Sherwin-Smith for Election in 2027
Further, if you are interested in also standing for Election to the Board of Nationwide, or a different building society, please contact me. I’d be delighted to share my learnings with you.
Pillar 2: Modernise Governance at Nationwide
There are two routes to improving governance at Nationwide – change the law, by the which the society must comply, or change the rules that build on top of the prevailing legislation.
Changing the law
Over the coming months, I’ll continue working with parliamentarians, regulators, academics and Member groups to modernise the legal framework governing building societies.
➡️ Learn More about Amendment 142E
The current government’s response to calls for debate and changes to building society governance standards (to bring the 40 year old Building Societies Act 1986 up to date with modern expectations) has been non-committal.
With the recent change in UK Prime Minister, it is unclear whether the government’s priorities will change under a new leader. I have written to the Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham MP, requesting government support for modernisation of the Building Societies Act.
But given competing and growing demands on Parliament’s time, and anticipating pushback from building societies and their lobbyists, I think it’s also important to look to change Nationwide’s rules in parallel.
Changing the rules by calling a Special General Meeting
Acting together, Members can propose changes to the society’s rules – in common with the proposed Amendment 142E above – to raise governance standards, increase Members’ rights and level the playing field for future candidates, by introducing special resolutions in support of:
- fair and equitable Board elections;
- a minimum of two Member Nominated Directors;
- an end to the bundled Quick Vote;
- binding Member votes on executive remuneration;
- the return of hybrid Annual General Meetings;
- publication of every AGM question and the Society’s response; and
- a greater Member voice over major strategic decisions.
The first step is establishing contact with Members who support these reforms.
➡️ Learn More & Register Your Support for a Special General Meeting
Pillar 3: Strengthen Member Democracy Across the Building Society Sector
I have learned lessons during this campaign that can be shared more widely across the mutual sector.
I will continue to support the work of organisations that speak up for Members’ rights. The Building Societies Members Association (BSMA) has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my campaign.
I would like help from willing building society members – not just Nationwide Members – to strengthen and grow the work of the BSMA, as well as preserve the over 40 years of knowledge and experience gained during various campaign efforts, including my own, for the benefit of future generations.
➡️ Join & Support the BSMA
Pillar 4: Build C4DG: a Coalition for Democratic Governance
This campaign has never been about one election or one individual.
It is about ensuring that mutual organisations remain genuinely accountable to the people who own them.
Later in 2026, I’ll be launching new initiatives to connect individuals, researchers, policymakers and campaigners and groups committed to stronger governance across not just the building society sector, but across the wider landscape of mutual, member-owned and member-governed sectors.
I am already in contact with several organisations that are interested in becoming C4DG founding members.