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.
-
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 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.
