New members appointed to NISTA Expert Advisory Council

The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) has appointed five new members to its Expert Advisory Council (EAC) to support its work implementing the government’s transformation programme for the UK’s economic and social infrastructure and housing.

The Government has announced the appointment of five leading experts from across infrastructure delivery, finance, energy and service transformation to the Council. They join Julia Prescot CBE, who was appointed as the Chair of the Council in February 2026.

The Council provides independent expert advice and constructive challenge to support NISTA’s work across infrastructure strategic planning, project delivery, private finance and public service transformation. The extensive experience the new members bring from industry, government, and academia will help strengthen the quality, robustness and impact of NISTA’s advice and products.

The newly appointed members are:

• Professor Jim Hall FREng FRS, Professor of Climate and Environmental Risks at the University of Oxford and a leading expert in infrastructure systems, climate resilience and spatial planning.
• Fiona Driscoll, an experienced board Chair and independent director with expertise in governance, assurance, strategy, public service reform and digital transformation.
• Simon Wright OBE, a major infrastructure delivery expert whose experience includes Crossrail, HS2 and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• James Wardlaw, an infrastructure finance specialist with more than 25 years’ experience across government, investment management and global advisory roles.
• Philippa Powell, a clean energy and infrastructure specialist with extensive experience in offshore wind, energy transition and project delivery.

The Expert Advisory Council was established to embed external expertise into infrastructure decision-making and strengthen links between government, industry and investors. It is advisory in nature and does not take decisions or sit within NISTA’s formal governance or assurance structures. Responsibility for decisions and delivery remains with ministers, departments and NISTA leadership.

The new Council members will provide independent challenge and insight on areas including the delivery of projects across economic and social infrastructure, project finance, service transformation, and will also support NISTA’s work on the implementation of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy and wider project delivery reforms.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said:

The new members of NISTA’s Expert Advisory Council bring an exceptional breadth of experience — from delivering major infrastructure and public service reform to shaping long-term strategy and driving innovation. Their expertise, challenge and practical insight will help turn ambition into delivery, ensuring that investment improves people’s lives, strengthens our public services and delivers lasting value for taxpayers.

NISTA Chief Executive Officer Becky Wood said:

The establishment of our new Expert Advisory Council is an important milestone for NISTA. The Council brings together exceptional expertise from across infrastructure, delivery, finance and service transformation. Their independent advice and constructive challenge will help strengthen the quality of our work and support our ambition to deliver lasting improvements across government.

Notes to editors

• The Expert Advisory Council provides independent advice and challenge to NISTA’s Chief Executive Officer and ministers, and has no decision-making or spending powers.
• Members have been appointed following an open recruitment process. The appointments began on 1st July 2026 and will last for a period of five years.
• All appointees have completed political activity declarations.