The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) has appointed five new members to its Expert Advisory Council (EAC).

The Government announced the appointment of a handful of experts from across infrastructure delivery, finance, energy and service transformation.

They join Julia Prescot CBE, who was appointed as the chair of the Council in February.

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.

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 appointments would 'help strengthen the quality of our work and support our ambition to deliver lasting improvements across government'.

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 responsibility for decisions and delivery remains with ministers, departments and NISTA leadership.

The new Council members will also support NISTA's work on the implementation of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy and wider project delivery reforms.