Constitution & Purpose
Banknotes play a key role in the Bank of England (“the Bank”) achieving its mission of maintaining public confidence in the currency. To maintain that confidence, the Bank works hard to ensure its banknotes are high-quality, durable, accessible and difficult to counterfeit. The Bank seeks to maximise the counterfeit resilience of the banknotes in all aspects of the banknote design process, including the selection of the theme and imagery which will feature on banknotes.
The Governor of the Bank, having considered a range of evidencefootnote [1] and the criteria for theme selection, has chosen nature as the theme and wildlife as the sub-theme for the imagery to be featured on the next series of banknotes (Series H).
To support the next stage of imagery selection, the Bank has constituted the Banknote Imagery Expert Panel (the “Panel”) whose purpose is to advise the Bank on the choice and depiction of wildlife on all four denominations of Series H banknotes. This includes:
- nominating and considering examples of wildlife from around the UK,
- advising the Bank on the creation of a shortlist which will be put to the public in a consultation to be held in summer 2026, and
- if needed, advising the Bank on the portrayal of the chosen wildlife on Series H banknotes.
Members of the Panel will also be invited to take part in communications activities including media events surrounding the 2026 public consultation on imagery, although there is no obligation to do so.
Membership
The Core Members of the Panel are:
- Bank of England Chief Cashier (Chair)
- Katy Bell
- Gordon Buchanan
- Miranda Krestovnikoff
- Steve Ormerod
- Nadeem Perera
- Dawn Scott
Other Bank of England attendees who will be invited to all meetings include:
- Head of Future of Money
- Head of Notes Operations
- Senior Manager, Banknote Analysis, Strategy & Engagement
- Senior Manager, Banknote Security & Design
- Legal Directorate Representative
The Chair of the Panel is the Chief Cashier. In the event the Chief Cashier is unable to attend any meeting, the Head of Future of Money will serve as Chair.
The Chair may choose to change the membership of the Panel and/or invite others to attend meetings where the chair believes their input will support the Panel’s work.
Public Sector Equality Duty
In their discussions, the Panel shall be mindful of the Bank’s legal obligations, including consideration of the Bank’s Public Sector Equality Duty. Members should obtain advice from the Legal Representative as required.
Confidentiality
Any information disclosed about the Bank’s imagery selection process, including papers circulated and opinions expressed during Panel meetings will be treated as confidential and not disclosed publicly unless and until the Chair has authorised their public release.
Publicity & Branding
Members of the Panel will not be entitled to use the Bank’s name, logo or trademarks without its prior written consent.
Following the announcement of the Bank’s chosen theme and sub-theme in March 2026, members may make public statements about their involvement in the Panel. In doing so, members should refer to the Bank’s guidance on public communications, which will be provided in advance of key milestones during the imagery selection process.
Data protection
For further information on how the Bank will process your personal data, please see the Bank’s Privacy notice.
Remuneration and Expenses
Membership of the Panel is not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed by the Bank. All expenses will be considered by the Secretariat in line with the Bank’s Travel and expenses policy, which can be found on the Bank’s website: Travel and expenses | Bank of England.
Term
Members will serve on the Expert Panel until the Governor is satisfied that the imagery selection process has concluded for Series H, when the Panel will be dissolved.
The Expert Panel is expected to meet on at least two occasions in 2026. Meetings will be held in person at the Bank’s Threadneedle Street premises with virtual attendance possible through Microsoft Teams.
Quorum
The Quorum shall be the Chair plus a minimum of 3 other Core Members. Members participating by telephone or virtually are treated as present.
Secretariat
Notes Directorate staff will serve as Secretariat and produce minutes of the Expert Panel’s meetings.
-
This includes findings from a July 2025 public consultation, focus groups commissioned by the Bank, engagement with a variety of stakeholders and input on banknote authentication from the Banknote Security & Design team.