So you want to become a Public Member of Network Rail?

A huge amount of information to enable you to answer this question is available on the Recruitment website. The following blog is purely impressionistic based on my attendance at the public presentation on the role last Wednesday (slides from which are available here).

Around 80 people filled a room at King's Place in London to listen to Network Rail chairman Richard Parry-Jones, deputy company secretary Win Chime, and Peter Reichwald, director, Harvey Nash.

I had read positive views on the chairmanship of Richard P-J and his presentation did not disappoint. He comes across as a  man who has a clear vision of the purpose of Network Rail, who is very aware of the limitations of the regulatory & political structure under which he works, and yet who has an almost boyish enthusiasm for the sheer scale of the company which he leads and the achievements to which he can point (Reading being his latest 'boast').

He believes that Government recognises that rail can help drive sustainable long-term economic growth BUT also knows that in Control Period 5 (2014-2019) efficiency savings of 18% are expected (and he believes are deliverable).

So what does he want from Public Members? He pointed to Welsh Water / Glas Cymru as having the only equivalent structure (worth viewing the relevant web page here) and highlighted the CORPORATE GOVERNANCE role of the Public Members, likening them to 'shareholders' (though of course they have no equity stake). Public Members hold the Network Rail Board to account with the ultimate sanction of voting the Board off at the yearly AGM.

The forty or so members are selected by an independent panel, serve for an initial three year term (and then can serve again), and are totally independent - bringing to the process of governance their individual expertise. Public Members do not work as a body but have individual contact with both Richard and other Board members.

Win Chime fleshed out the work of the Public Members.


Apart from attending general meetings, Public Members are also able to:
–attend other meetings organised by Network Rail (workshops & other meetings) in which briefings are given and which include scrutiny sessions in which Public Members are able to ask Non-Executive Directors questions on a range of issues
–engage in active and regular dialogue with other Public Members, Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
–participate in engagement groups in areas key to the governance of Network Rail – Safety, People, Finance & Risk, Performance, Future.

Public Members are expected to put in around 6 days work a year (minimum is two full days) and are supported by a dedicated unit within Network Rail. Naturally, the work is unpaid but full expenses are given.

Peter Reichwald emphasised the skill set being sought:


-A good knowledge of UK Corporate Governance Code
–An appreciation of secondary governance
–Be able to appreciate the specific issues for Network Role
–Do you have the ability to hold others to account

NOTE that the emphasis is on the GOVERNANCE role of Public Members. They are NOT a shadow board so do not apply if you want to change the direction of Network Rail. The die has been cast - be part of the process that ensures the company delivers...