Leadership Council
Annual Council Subscription for Global Nexus Standards & Assurance Governance
The Global Risks Forum (GRF) is establishing a high-trust Leadership Council of senior leaders who steward the standards, assurance, and registry architecture of the Nexus Ecosystem.
Annual Council Subscription at three levels—Affiliate, Fellow, Patron—automatically renews within a 3-year term.
Council Members form the primary leadership pool for national, regional, and global roles across GRF and, where relevant, across the broader Nexus architecture.
Council Membership is not a Board seat but is the standard pathway to be considered for Board, Chair, and committee roles.
Subscription funds KYC, screening, legal, compliance, and Secretariat functions—keeping the standards and assurance layer credible, independent, and globally interoperable.
A global network connects leaders across standards bodies, regulation, finance, infrastructure, science, and civil society to shape how risk evidence and systems are certified, compared, and trusted.
Payment triggers KYC and screening. If an application is not accepted, the Council Subscription is refunded less documented third-party verification and processing costs, per the refund policy below.
Annual subscription · Automatically renews within a 3-year term
At a Glance
Role: Vetted Leadership Council for the Nexus standards, assurance, and registry stack, stewarding GRF’s side of the rail.
Term: 3-year Council term, maintained through automatic annual renewal while in good standing.
Levels: Affiliate, Fellow, Patron (annual subscription that automatically renews within a 3-year term).
Time: Typically 3–12 days per year (meetings, preparation, and occasional working groups).
Pathway: Council → standard leadership pool for Boards / Chairs / committees (no guarantees).
Nature: An annual governance subscription (automatically renewing within a 3-year term) that funds KYC, screening, legal, and Secretariat functions; it does not confer commercial rights, ownership, profit participation, or any guaranteed role.
This page summarises Council participation. If there is any inconsistency between this summary and GRF’s Charter, bylaws, or Council policies, those instruments govern.
What is the GRF Leadership Council?
The Global Risks Forum (GRF) Leadership Council is a vetted community of senior leaders who help govern how the Nexus Ecosystem’s standards, assurance systems, and registries are designed, maintained, and used.
Within the Nexus “one rail, four pillars” design:
- GCRI stewards evidence, methods, and indices
- GRF stewards standards, assurance, conformance, and registries
- GRA stewards execution, facilities, and settlement architecture
- NSF stewards protocol, ledger, and smart licensing
GRF’s mandate covers GRF-IP profiles, evidence quality levels (EQL1–EQL5), conformance levels (CL1–CL4), the Council Register, and the assurance rules that give legal and technical effect to Nexus decisions. The Leadership Council:
- Brings together leaders from standards organisations, regulators, supervisory authorities, finance, infrastructure, science, academia, and civil society
- Provides a trusted talent bench for governance roles across GRF and, where appropriate, across other Nexus entities
- Helps ensure that Nexus programs and artifacts remain independent, auditable, comparable, and fit for sovereign, supervisory, and multilateral use
Council Members:
- Participate in strategic discussions, standards-setting processes, review panels, and advisory sessions
- May be nominated or elected into Boards, national / regional / thematic Chair roles, and committees
- Support GRF’s mission to operate as the operating system for planetary risk governance, turning standards, assurance, and registries into enforceable cooperation
Council Membership, Board Roles & Corporate Membership
Council Membership is Not a Board Seat or Corporate Membership
It is important to distinguish Council Membership from formal Board roles and from statutory corporate membership under applicable non-profit or foundation law.
Council Membership:
- Does not automatically appoint you to any Board, statutory body, or Chair position
- Places you in the vetted leadership pool from which candidates for governance roles are normally identified
- Makes you eligible to be considered for national, regional, and thematic Chair / Co-Chair roles; Board and committee roles for GRF; and proposed new governance capacities as the Nexus Ecosystem evolves
Appointments to Boards, Chairs, and official committees:
- Are handled through separate, formal nomination and selection processes
- Are subject to fit-and-proper review, conflict-of-interest checks, and bylaws
- Remain merit-based and oriented to the needs, independence, and integrity of the institution
Corporate membership status
Council Members are governance participants, not statutory corporate members or owners.
They do not have the legal rights of statutory “members” of the GRF entity/entities under applicable corporate or association law (for example, voting rights at formal members’ assemblies), unless they separately hold that status under GRF’s governing documents.
In short:
The GRF Leadership Council is the gateway and preferred pathway into governance roles—not a guarantee of any specific office, and not a corporate ownership position.
Why the Council Exists & How It Fits the Nexus
The Nexus Ecosystem is being built as a global rail for risk, resilience, and innovation, with a clear separation between:
Public-interest institutions
GCRI (evidence), GRF (standards & assurance), GRA (execution & settlement), NSF (protocol & ledger).
Enterprise delivery entities
Regulated businesses and implementation partners who operate programs and products on top of the rail.
Within this architecture, GRF is the steward of standards, assurance, and registries. The Council exists to:
Provide a stable, high-trust governance base for GRF’s standards, assurance schemes, and registries across multiple jurisdictions and sectors
Ensure Nexus certifications, badges, and registers remain settlement-relevant, supervision-ready, and comparable
Supply a diverse leadership pool from which Nexus standards and assurance governance roles are filled
Guard against capture, conflicts of interest, and narrow commercial influence by embedding standards decisions in a multi-stakeholder community
By joining the Leadership Council, you step into the governance core of how Nexus defines “good enough” evidence, systems, and behaviors for shared risk governance.
Who Should Apply?
We invite applications from individuals who bring significant experience in one or more of:
- Standard-setting, accreditation, or certification (national, regional, or international)
- Regulation, supervision, or competition policy
- Finance, insurance, reinsurance, or capital markets with a strong governance or risk focus
- Critical infrastructure and utilities (energy, water, transport, digital, health)
- Data, digital, or cybersecurity (including privacy, AI governance, and cyber risk)
- Science, research, or academia in risk, resilience, systems, climate, or technology governance
- Civil society, community leadership, or Indigenous governance focused on accountability, equity, and rights
And who:
- Can dedicate time and attention to governance work and strategic oversight
- Are comfortable operating at the interface of science, standards, regulation, finance, and communities
- Are prepared to meet fit-and-proper, KYC, and conflict-of-interest requirements
- Align with the mission, values, and Charter of GRF, GCRI, GRA, NSF, and the Nexus Ecosystem
You may be, for example:
A current or former standards body leader, regulator, or senior supervisor
A senior executive or board member in risk, compliance, audit, or quality assurance in finance or infrastructure
A recognised leader in risk science, systems engineering, climate or disaster risk management, or AI/tech governance
A respected figure in civil society, community, or Indigenous governance working on accountability, rights, and equitable risk governance
A technology or cybersecurity leader responsible for critical financial or infrastructure systems
Inclusion and access
GRF aims for the Leadership Council to reflect the diversity of the countries and communities whose risks and systems are assessed and assured.
In limited cases—especially for community, Indigenous, and under-resourced leaders or early-stage countries—we may reduce or waive the Council Subscription or arrange third-party sponsorship, subject to available support and governance needs. Inability to pay the full subscription should not deter suitable candidates from applying.
Three Council Subscription Levels – 3-Year Term with Automatic Renewal
Leadership Council participation is structured as an annual Council Subscription that automatically renews within a 3-year term, offered at three levels:
- Affiliate – National Council Member (annual subscription, automatically renews within a 3-year term)
- Fellow – Regional Council Member (annual subscription, automatically renews within a 3-year term)
- Patron – Global Council Member (annual subscription, automatically renews within a 3-year term)
Each level reflects the primary scope of your engagement (national, regional, global) and the intensity of governance work you are likely to take on. The governance standards, codes of conduct, and screening requirements are consistent across all levels.
Important:
This is an annual governance subscription that automatically renews within a 3-year term and funds KYC, screening, legal, and Secretariat functions; it does not confer commercial rights, ownership, profit participation, or guaranteed roles. The subscription renews each year to maintain your Council term and good standing.
| Level | Scope of Engagement | Typical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate | National / City | National working groups & advisory roles |
| Fellow | Regional / Multi-country | Regional hubs, steering committees, hub boards |
| Patron | Global / Cross-regional | Global boards, cross-regional committees |
The subscription is an annual payment that automatically renews within a 3-year governance term. Payment is processed each year to maintain your Council Membership and good standing.
Affiliate – National Council Member
Affiliate – National Council Member (annual subscription, automatically renews within a 3-year term)
Scope
Focused on one country or city where Nexus programs and standards are being implemented, tested, or harmonised.
Ideal for
Senior practitioners, technical experts, and emerging leaders who want to ground Nexus standards and assurance in national realities—data systems, infrastructure, regulation, and community needs.
As an Affiliate, you will:
- Join the national GRF Council pool in your country
- Contribute to national working groups, pilots, and advisory panels on standards adoption, conformance, and assurance use-cases
- Be eligible to be considered for national Chair, Co-Chair, or committee roles, subject to formal processes
- Access Council meetings, digital platforms, and governance resources relevant to your national context
Fellow – Regional Council Member
Fellow – Regional Council Member (annual subscription, automatically renews within a 3-year term)
Scope
Active across a regional hub (e.g. Africa, APAC, Europe, MENA, North America, South America), often spanning multiple countries, regional bodies, and standards ecosystems.
Ideal for
Regional leaders in multilateral or regional organisations, cross-border institutions, standards bodies, and private-sector or civil-society networks with a regional mandate over risk, resilience, or infrastructure.
As a Fellow, you will:
- Join the regional GRF Council pool for your hub
- Participate in regional steering groups and cross-country initiatives that shape regional GRF-IP profiles, mutual recognition, and assurance schemes
- Be eligible to be considered for regional Chair / Co-Chair roles and hub boards, subject to appointment processes
- Access Council-level events, regional convenings, and shared collaboration platforms used for regional standards and assurance governance
Patron – Global Council Member
Patron – Global Council Member (annual subscription, automatically renews within a 3-year term)
Scope
Engagement at the global architecture level, spanning multiple regions, sectors, and standards communities.
Ideal for
Highly experienced global leaders from governments, multilateral institutions, standard-setting bodies, MDBs, systemically important institutions, global science and think tanks, philanthropy, or civil society.
As a Patron, you will:
- Join the global GRF Council pool with visibility across multiple regions, registries, and Nexus entities
- Be considered, where appropriate, for global boards and cross-regional governance committees, subject to nomination and independence requirements
- Be invited to global Council briefings, strategic retreats, and high-level dialogues on Nexus standards, assurance, and governance architecture
- Act as a champion and steward for the global Nexus standards, assurance, and registry system
Subscription level reflects scope of engagement and ability to support governance infrastructure. It does not guarantee or predetermine the seniority of any governance role you may hold.
What Your Council Subscription Covers
A Governance Subscription, Not a Pay-to-Play Membership
Your Council Subscription is not a commercial membership fee and does not buy influence. It is a governance subscription that funds the core infrastructure needed for a credible, multi-jurisdictional standards and assurance system.
A. Use of Funds
- KYC and screening (identity verification, sanctions and PEP screening, adverse media checks, conflict-of-interest review and documentation)
- Legal and compliance backbone (GRF Charter, bylaws, GRF-IP profiles, conformance schemes, governance schedules, codes of conduct, conflict-of-interest and ethics frameworks, legal opinions, regulatory alignment)
- Secretariat and governance support (professional Secretariat staff, agendas, minutes, induction materials, standards explainer packs, secure document and collaboration tools)
- Audit, oversight, and quality assurance (governance reviews, process audits, monitoring adherence to standards and assurance rules, external reviews and independent verification)
B. Access and Tools During Your Term
- Access to Council-only meetings, briefings, consultations, and secure collaboration environments
- Access to governance resources—draft GRF-IP profiles, CL/EQL documentation, assurance frameworks, and program insights
- Eligibility to be considered for national, regional, and thematic Chair / Co-Chair roles
- Eligibility for Board and committee positions across GRF and, where relevant, across other Nexus entities, plus special mandates as new profiles, registries, or grievance mechanisms are designed
These are tools to discharge governance duties, not private perks.
Your Role, Rights & Responsibilities
Your Role
- A member of the vetted leadership community that underpins GRF’s governance
- A strategic advisor and steward, not an executive manager or commercial vendor
- A potential candidate for formal governance offices across the Nexus standards and assurance stack, subject to needs and process
Your Rights
- Participate in Council meetings, consultations, and working groups consistent with your subscription level
- Receive relevant information and documentation in a timely manner
- Be nominated or considered for formal governance roles, as needs, merit, and independence requirements allow
- Raise concerns about governance, integrity, equity, or mission drift, and expect them to be duly considered
- Receive periodic reporting on GRF’s activities and relevant Nexus developments
Your Responsibilities
- Act in the best interests of GRF’s mission, the Nexus Charter, and affected countries and communities when discharging Council functions
- Comply with codes of conduct, confidentiality obligations, and conflict-of-interest rules
- Disclose any actual or potential conflicts promptly and fully
- Prepare for and contribute constructively to meetings, consultations, and reviews
- Maintain the confidentiality and security of information accessed in your Council capacity
Time commitments vary by level and specific roles, but as guidance: Affiliate: ~3–6 days per year; Fellow: ~6–10 days per year; Patron: ~8–12 days per year. This includes meeting time, preparation, reading, and occasional ad hoc input. Any formal Board or Chair appointment, if applicable, will set out a separate, explicit time-commitment statement.
Eligibility & Fit-and-Proper Criteria
To preserve the integrity and credibility of the GRF Leadership Council, each applicant must:
- Meet professional and ethical standards appropriate for high-level standards and assurance governance roles
- Demonstrate a track record of integrity, judgement, and responsible leadership
- Successfully complete fit-and-proper assessments (identity verification; sanctions and PEP screening; adverse media screening; conflict-of-interest disclosure and review)
- Confirm adherence to the GRF Code of Conduct, Conflict-of-Interest Policy, and Data & Confidentiality Policy
- Accept that certain combinations of roles may be incompatible and may require recusal or non-appointment to specific matters
Scholarships & Waivers
In limited cases, especially for applicants from lower-income contexts, community-based organisations, or early-stage countries, we may consider partial waivers or third-party sponsorships. These are considered case-by-case, subject to available support and governance needs.
GRF reserves the right to decline or terminate Council Membership where eligibility criteria are not met or maintained.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
Complete Secure Checkout & Basic Application
Select your Council level (Affiliate, Fellow, or Patron) and complete secure checkout. You will receive a link to submit your short application form (CV / biography + statement of interest).
Initial Alignment Review
GRF reviews your profile against current and anticipated Council needs, including balance of sectors, geography, and expertise.
KYC, Screening, and Conflict Review
Identity and sanctions checks; PEP and adverse media screening; completion and review of your conflict-of-interest declaration.
Governance Conversation
A structured discussion with a governance lead to align expectations, time commitment, and potential areas of contribution.
Decision & Confirmation
Written confirmation of acceptance and Council level, or a respectful decline. If not accepted, GRF refunds your Council Subscription in line with the refund policy set out below.
Onboarding & Induction
Access to welcome materials, standards documentation, policies, and induction sessions. Inclusion into relevant national, regional, or global Council pools and collaboration platforms.
Additional sections that mirror the GCRI/GRA structure—Term, Renewal, Level Changes and Exit; Refund & Cancellation Policy; Data Protection & Confidentiality; and Key FAQs—apply here with GRF’s standards and assurance context.
Key FAQs
This section mirrors the GCRI/GRA FAQ structure, with all references adapted for GRF, standards & assurance, and the Council Register / GRF-IP context.
Ready to Apply?
Complete secure checkout for your chosen Council level to begin the application process.
Payment triggers KYC and screening. If an application is not accepted, GRF refunds your Council Subscription less documented third-party verification and processing costs.
Annual subscription · Automatically renews within a 3-year term