The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced new non-executive directors (NEDs) joining its Departmental Board to advance digital initiatives aimed at transforming public services and addressing digital exclusion.
This refreshed board, which includes experts from business, academia, and the charitable sector, aims to provide strategic guidance as DSIT seeks to harness science and technology to improve services, expand digital access, and stimulate economic growth across the UK.
The UK Government said the newly appointed board members bring diverse experience to support DSIT’s mission to drive digital inclusion, promote innovation, and further its strategic objectives. The new NEDs are as follows:
- Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham
- Nicola Hodson, Chief Executive of IBM UK and Ireland, and former board member of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety
- Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive of the Good Things Foundation
- Paul Willmott, Chair of the Central Digital & Data Office and Chief Digital Advisor at KIRKBI (LEGO Holding)
These appointments come as DSIT aims to maximise the impact of digital, data, and technology for the benefit of the public. The board will provide essential oversight to ensure DSIT’s initiatives align with its commitment to deliver accessible, inclusive public services powered by technological advancement.
“As we transform DSIT to unleash the power of technology to improve lives for people across the country, working in lockstep with businesses, academics and charities will be essential. Bringing Adam, Nicola, Helen and Paul on to the board brings in some of Britain’s brightest and most passionate minds to help us drive these ambitions forward, so we can put technology to work for people nationwide,” said Peter Kyle, Technology Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Existing board members Dominic Field, Liz Cohen, and Jason Chin will maintain their roles, with Dominic Field taking on the responsibilities of lead NED. The new appointees will serve on a temporary basis for up to nine months, during which a formal recruitment process will be launched to identify long-term candidates for these roles.