How the RIPE NCC is Run

What is the RIPE NCC?

The [RIPE NCC] is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is also a Regional Internet Registry and the secretariat for the [RIPE] community, supporting the Internet through technical coordination. It was formed in 1992 and now supports over 20,000 members in 76 countries in our service region.

As the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) for Europe, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia, the [RIPE NCC] provides Internet number resources, such as [IPv4] and [IPv6] address space and [Autonomous System Numbers] (ASNs) to its members. It also offers other services related to the technical coordination of the Internet.

The [RIPE NCC] is an open and transparent, neutral and impartial organisation. It has no commercial interests or influences and operates as a bottom-up and self-governing organisation. It is a membership organisation which means that the policies and procedures that govern the way the RIPE NCC operates are proposed, discussed and accepted by its members and the RIPE community.

What is a Membership Organisation?

A Membership Organisation is any organisation that allows people or legal entities to become members, usually through a membership fee. Membership organisations usually have a clear purpose to promote and enhance. They have a two-tier structure where a board is elected by, and accountable to, a wider body of ordinary members.

RIPE NCC Membership

Rights and Responsibilities

Anyone can become a member of the RIPE NCC. Most members are Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecommunication organisations, corporations, academic institutions and government bodies. Members manage and distribute Internet number resources they receive from the [RIPE NCC] at a local level.

Everyone who is accepted as a member after following the process to become one and paying their fees is entitled to access all the membership services.

Members are also responsible for maintaining their accounts with accurate information. They are expected to follow the RIPE policies and the RIPE NCC procedures at all times, and also to act as responsible stewards of the Internet resources that they hold. Members should also take an active part in the governance of their association, contributing to good governance and making sure that they are aware of the discussions and processes that have an impact on the membership.

Decision Making

All [RIPE NCC] activities and services are openly defined, discussed and evaluated by [RIPE NCC] members and the [RIPE] community.

General Meetings (GM)

The [RIPE NCC General Meeting] (GM) is the forum at which members can discuss the operations and activities of the [RIPE NCC] and share their feedback. If you are a member, you have the right to attend the GM, vote on resolutions and vote to elect members of the Executive Board.

Members have their say and make decisions on critical matters, including:

Spring - Board Member Elections and Charging Scheme

Members vote on the membership charging scheme which includes the sign-up fee and annual fee members are required to pay. Members may also elect board members during the annual election to fill seats on the Executive Board.

Autumn - Activity Plan and Budget

Each year, the RIPE NCC lays out planned activities for the coming year in a draft activity plan and a proposed budget. This is usually presented at the autumn GM for members to have their say on the plan.

The Board

The Executive Board has broad responsibility for overseeing the work of the [RIPE NCC]. Many responsibilities have been delegated to the [RIPE NCC] management to take care of daily operations. The position of Executive Board member is crucial in the corporate governance structure of the [RIPE NCC] and board members are fully responsible towards the [RIPE NCC] membership.

The board consists of a Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and four other board members. Board members serve for a period of three years and their duties include:

• Representing the membership and providing guidance to the [RIPE NCC] Senior Management
• Being responsible for the overall financial position of the [RIPE NCC] and for keeping records that allow the current financial situation to be evaluated at any moment
• Approving the RIPE NCC Activity Plan and Budget
• Appointing the RIPE NCC Management
• Calling the RIPE NCC General Meetings

Members can vote to elect representatives to the Executive Board at the Spring GM. When a board member's three-year term is up, there will be an election to fill the vacant seat. The [RIPE NCC] then receives nominations from members. Anyone is eligible to be an Executive Board member as long as they have the written support of five [RIPE NCC] members. Board members do not have to be [RIPE NCC] members.

It is in the best interests of the [RIPE NCC] and its members that the RIPE NCC Executive Board reflects the diversity of its membership in terms of gender, skill-set, industry background and geographic diversity. The [RIPE NCC] and its Executive Board encourage all those with an interest in the successful development of the [RIPE NCC] to consider standing for election to the Executive Board.

You can find out more about the Executive Board and Executive Board elections in the GM section of the RIPE NCC website.