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What members do Network Rail is a company limited by guarantee; it is a private sector organisation operating as a commercial business and with a plc-style board of directors – but it is without shareholders. The Network Rail members fulfil the role of shareholders, but do not receive dividends or share capital, as Network Rail is a not-for-dividend company and any profit is re-invested in improving Britain’s rail infrastructure. Members do not receive payment for their services, but are paid reasonable expenses for the execution of their duties. Members do not make strategic decisions or get involved in operational or management decisions, but they play a crucial role in the company’s corporate governance and have statutory rights and duties. These include: attending the company’s annual general meeting; voting on the appointment of re-appointment of Network Rail directors; and receiving Network Rail’s annual report and accounts. Why Network Rail is seeking public members The original 113 members were appointed in 2002, soon after Network Rail became the rail infrastructure operator. The total number fluctuates depending on the number of eligible franchise operators. When the original three-year term for public membership expired not all public members sought or qualified for renewal. Those who did were appointed to terms of one, two or three years. This allowed for a staggered process of future member appointment, ensuring continuity and stability by avoiding a situation where all membership terms expired at the same time. Network Rail today begins the selection process for new public members. Existing public members are eligible to re-apply. The selection process An independent membership selection panel will select from applications and recommend to the Network Rail board those organisations and individuals whom it considers have the appropriate skills and experience to be appointed as public members. Those who are interested in applying can find the application form and other information about membership at www.networkrail.co.uk and at www.nrpublicmembers.co.uk/ The closing date for applications is Friday 13 June 2008. The selection panel The panel comprises: Alastair Macdonald as chairman, formerly director general for industry at the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) and previously a journalist for several years on The Spectator and Financial Times. He is currently a civil service commissioner chairing selection panels for senior civil service appointments. Jim Cornell a non-executive director of Network Rail joined British Rail in 1959 and held various senior positions including latterly group managing director of British Rail Infrastructure Services; he is currently an executive director of the Railway Heritage Trust. Catherine Bell a non-executive director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Swiss Re GB plc, Ensus Ltd and United Utilities plc. Formerly acting permanent Secretary at the DTI in 2005. More information on the role of members can be found on Network Rail’s website.