Public Member of Network Rail
As chairman of Network Rail’s Membership Selection Panel, I would like to thank you for asking for the Information Pack about becoming a Public Member of Network Rail. Should you decide to apply, I hope that you find this letter and the information provided helpful as you consider how to complete the Application Form.
When Network Rail was created, as a private company tasked to provide a public service, a “Company Limited by Guarantee” structure was considered to be the most appropriate governance structure. Such a company does not have shareholders. Instead it has Members. That said, the role of Members is broadly comparable to that of shareholders. Members do not take executive decisions for the company. They do not duplicate the work of the company’s non-executive directors who sit on the Board of the company. Rather, it is the task of Members to hold the Board as a whole to account for the way in which the Board is running the company.
