Nationwide Board Election: Voting Begins 8 June – What Happens Next

Dear Supporter,

I wanted to update you on a major development in the campaign for greater accountability and member representation at Nationwide.

Yesterday, after a piece published in The Times regarding the extended delay, Nationwide formally confirmed that the Board will NOT be recommending my candidacy for election to the Board at this year’s AGM.

The Society has also confirmed it will actively use its “Quick Vote” mechanism AGAINST my candidacy. Members that choose to use the quick vote – which features prominently at the top of the voting form and the society has now disclosed is used by 87% of votes last year – will not only be voting FOR the board appointed candidates, but also AGAINST me, the first member nominated candidate in over 20 years. I don’t think this has ever happened before, and sets a dangerous precedent for mutuals and democratic governance.

This means the campaign now enters a new phase.

Until now, the focus has been on raising awareness about the lack of independent member representation and the risks posed by the Quick Vote system. From 8 June onwards, the focus must shift to action: ensuring Members understand how to cast an informed vote.

Yesterday afternoon, I issued a press release with the details, that has already attracted national media attention, including coverage in The Times and City AM, both of which highlighted concerns that this election risks becoming an “unfair fight” for an independent member candidate.

The coverage also included negative comments about me and my candidacy, following a media statement that was issued by Nationwide. The details were not available to me until yesterday evening. I have issued a response on my website.

Why this matters

Nationwide has approximately 9.1 million eligible voting Members this year.

Last year:

Under the current system, Members who simply select “Quick Vote” effectively endorse the Board’s recommendations wholesale — including voting against independent candidates not endorsed by the Board.

This creates a substantial structural disadvantage for any genuinely independent member candidate.

Importantly, Nationwide’s Board has not included a member-nominated and member-elected director since 2002.

What supporters can do

The Society has indicated that voting forms and instructions will begin arriving from 8 June.

If you support greater independence, scrutiny and accountability at Nationwide, the single most important thing you can do is:

This election is ultimately about whether Nationwide Members retain meaningful democratic choice in the governance of their Society.

How I will appear on the ballot is still unknown

I have requested that Nationwide provide a proof copy of my election address, which the Society informs me it has edited (without my permission, and while refusing my own edits given the Board’s decision not to suspend the Quick Vote). I have also requested a proof copy of the voting form and the accompanying pamphlet “Who are you voting for?” so that I can ensure I am presented fairly and prepare accordingly.

The society has refused these requests.

How you can help the campaign now

Over the next six weeks, supporter engagement will be critical.

In particular, it would help enormously if supporters could:

Campaign website:
https://james4nationwide.co.uk/

Thank you again for your support. Whatever the outcome, this campaign has already succeeded in bringing unprecedented scrutiny to how Member democracy and governance operates in UK member organisations.

The next stage begins on 8 June.

Best regards,

James Sherwin-Smith
Member Nominated Candidate for Election to the Nationwide Building Society Board