The three NEDs are CIOT tax policy director John Cullinane, who was previously head of Deloitte’s tax quality and risk function; Paul Johnson, who is director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS); and Kathleen Russ, head of tax at Travers Smith and a member of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) tax committee.

Angela Knight, OTS Chair, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Paul, John and Kathleen to the OTS board. Together they will bring valuable skills, expertise and experience which will increase the ability of the OTS to provide excellent advice on how to take forward the strategy and simplify the tax system for business and for individuals.

‘The addition of three new non-executive board members puts the OTS in the best possible position to make the most of its new status as a permanent, statutory body. We have an interesting and exciting time ahead and the opportunity to make good progress.’

Knight also paid tribute to Adam Broke, a partner at Mercer and Hole, who has been a member of the OTS board since its inception and is now stepping down, for his ‘input and wise counsel’ over the past six years.

The current board includes Teresa Graham, chair of HMRC’s administrative burdens advisory board, Edward Troup, HMRC’s executive chair and Permanent Secretary, HMRC), and James Bowler, director general, tax and welfare, at the Treasury.

John Whiting, who is listed as OTS’s tax director, has already signalled his plans to step down and retire in November. The recruitment process for his successor has begun but there is no announcement about a new appointee or any possible future role for Whiting at the OTS, which was established in 2010 to provide advice to the Chancellor on simplifying the UK tax system.

To date, the government has implemented almost 200 OTS recommendations.