The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) appointed five new members to its Expert Advisory Council, according to a government press release published on 10 September 2026. The appointees are Professor Jim Hall, Fiona Driscoll, Simon Wright OBE, James Wardlaw and Philippa Powell, who bring experience in infrastructure delivery, finance, energy and service transformation. They join Julia Prescot CBE, appointed as Council Chair in February 2026.

The release states that appointments followed an open recruitment process, began on 1 July 2026 and last five years, with all appointees having completed political activity declarations. The Council advises NISTA's Chief Executive Officer and ministers and has no decision-making or spending powers. Responsibility for decisions and delivery remains with ministers, departments and NISTA leadership.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said the members' expertise would help turn ambition into delivery. NISTA Chief Executive Officer Becky Wood called the Council's establishment an important milestone, saying its independent advice would strengthen the quality of the authority's work.