The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority
(NISTA) has today confirmed the appointment of Julia Prescot as
the new Chair of its Council of Expert Advisers.
Julia has worked in global infrastructure investment and delivery
throughout her career and has previously served as Deputy Chair
of the National Infrastructure Commission, which became part of
NISTA in April 2025.
The NISTA Council provides impartial, expert advice to ministers
and the NISTA CEO Becky Wood to support the implementation of the
government's 10 Year strategy for economic, housing and social
infrastructure and the delivery of NISTA's broader objectives,
including managing the Infrastructure Pipeline and supporting the
Government Major Projects Portfolio.
As Chair, Julia Prescot will provide strategic leadership to the
NISTA Council and impartial and expert advice on implementation
and go/no-go decisions for major projects to the CEO and
ministers, as well as engaging with stakeholders across
government, business and the investor community.
, Chief Secretary to the
Treasury said:
Julia brings a wealth of hands-on experience in the industry to
this new role as Chair of NISTA's Advisory Council, and we're
really pleased to have her in this post. Planning for and
delivering critical infrastructure is such an important part of
Britain's renewal and Julia will have a key role to play advising
and guiding NISTA - and advising government on infrastructure in
general - over the coming years.
Becky Wood, NISTA Chief Executive Officer said:
I am delighted to welcome Julia's appointment as Chair of NISTA's
Expert Advisory Council. Her exceptional experience across both
the public and private sectors and her insights into delivering
complex infrastructure will be invaluable as we drive forward the
government's ambitions, and I very much look forward to working
closely with her.
Julia Prescot CBE, incoming Chair of the NISTA Council of
Expert Advisers said:
Throughout my career I have seen at first hand the difference
that great infrastructure makes to communities and economies.
This is an important moment for the country with significant
projects either starting or now underway. I am pleased I can
bring my experience to bear and help NISTA transform the UK's
strategic approach to infrastructure planning and delivery.
The Chair's role is a non-executive, part-time position. Julia
Prescot's appointment is for a five-year term and comes after an
open competition. She will begin her role as Chair later this
month.
Notes to editors
- The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation
Authority was established in April 2025 to improve the
government's management of major projects and lead the
cross-government delivery of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.
The NISTA Council of Expert Advisers supports the delivery of
NISTA's strategy and objectives and, where appropriate, also
provides challenge and scrutiny of NISTA's work. More information on the
Council and its remit is available on gov.uk
- A recruitment process to appoint five new members to the
NISTA Council of Expert Advisers is being undertaken with the
support of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, and an
announcement of the new Council members will be made in due
course
- The Chair is expected to adhere to the Nolan Principles of
Public Life.
