Nominet has published candidates for the next Non-Executive Director election

[Helmuts]

Nominet has just publicly announced the candidates for the upcoming election of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs):

- Kieren McCarthy - @Kieren
- Rob Golding

Nominet will also be hosting a “Meet the Candidates” webinar on Thursday, 11 September, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Register here: https://members.nominet.uk/event-post/meet-the-ned-candidates-webinar-2025/

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Although skipped last year, Domain Summit has traditionally been one of the very few places where NED candidates can speak directly to their voters in person. This idea actually came from Kieren in 2023, and I implemented it to the best of my abilities at the time. With years, as the Summit gets better and better, so do these election debates.

This year, Kieren McCarthy has confirmed his attendance at the election debates taking place during Domain Summit on 3 September. I do not yet have a confirmed answer from Rob (we’ve had a personal falling-out, which was entirely my fault, and we are both working to resolve and move past it).

If the debate goes ahead as a debate of 2 involved parties (it takes two to dance), the moderator will be the best possible man for the job: Andrew Bennett (@Whois-Search). If only one candidate wishes to address Nominet members during Domain Summit, I will moderate the session myself.

If you would like to attend only for the election debates, I am happy to provide you with a complimentary ticket. For full attendance, please purchase the symbolic $50 ticket, or speak to our exhibitors—most of them have complimentary ticket codes available.

Alternatively, if only Kieren participates, would you like to replace me as moderator? I would be happy to pass that honour to someone even more knowledgeable about Nominet. .. maybe @KevDI?

 

[Kieren]

Hello all, yes I'll be attending Domain Summit again to answer any questions you have. Also happy to answer any here.

FYI, here is my official candidate statement.

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CANDIDATE STATEMENT

I’m standing for re-election to the Nominet Board because while there’s been real progress, there’s still more to do — and I want to help make sure the changes we’ve started become lasting improvements.


Over the past three years, I’ve worked to make Nominet more open, transparent, and responsive to members. I bring a different kind of experience to the board — rooted in governance, policy, and over a decade of scrutiny of Nominet from the outside. I joined the board with a critical perspective and a strong voice — something that was needed at the time. Since then, my focus has shifted to helping build for the long term.


Here’s what I’ve helped deliver:

• More meaningful member engagement: I’ve consistently pushed for better metrics and more member-led thinking. With a new Head of Membership Engagement now in place, we’re finally seeing the right changes begin — but they still need to be fully embedded.
• A clearer focus on the core mission: I supported Nominet’s decision to exit the cybersecurity business and helped steer the redirection of public benefit funding. A new “tech fund” is being developed to support projects aligned with Nominet’s core skills and purpose — a positive step I want to see through.
• Leadership that’s delivering: I supported the appointment of a new Chief Customer Officer and welcomed the arrival of a new CTO. They’ve brought fresh energy and focus. The registry is being modernised, is more secure than ever, and Nominet is firmly focused again on .UK.
• A stronger UKRAC: As the board’s UKRAC liaison, I’ve helped the advisory council become a real forum where members raise issues and work with Nominet to resolve them.
• Price stability and transparency: There have been no price increases during my time on the board. If any are proposed in future, I will only support them if they are backed by a clear, transparent process — with proper member input and advance notice.

If re-elected, I’ll focus on:

• Embedding member engagement as a core part of Nominet’s culture
• Delivering the new public benefit fund in a way that’s that’s open, effective, and true to Nominet’s mission
• Keeping Nominet focused on .UK and avoiding risky side projects
• Pushing for greater transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to spending and pricing
• Ensuring the member perspective is clearly and consistently represented at board level

Before joining the board, I reported on Nominet for over 10 years and worked at ICANN during a major global governance transition. That background helps me ask the right questions, challenge constructively, and support meaningful progress.


I’d really appreciate your support to keep going and finish the job.