New expert advisory panel to strengthen R&D tax relief guidance

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has officially launched the Research and Development Expert Advisory Panel (RDEAP). The dedicated body aimed at improving how R&D tax relief is administered across the UK has now been made public. 

Announced in October 2025, this launch follows the government’s commitment, set out in the 2024 Corporate Tax Roadmap, to improve oversight and support for the UK’s R&D relief systems.

The panel the latest development in a major overhaul of the R&D tax credits scheme – following the addition of the merged scheme, and HMRC’s new digital eligibility checker.

Who are the panel of R&D experts?

RDEAP comprises six external industry experts plus a chair and secretariat from HMRC’s Corporation Tax Innovation & Growth team (CTI&G) who bring expertise in sectors including AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technological development. 

Their credentials include senior leadership roles in biotech, telecoms, industrial engineering and sustainability:

1. Oliver Stevens – a Chartered AI systems engineer with over 15 years’ experience across healthcare, biotech, legal tech, and creative sectors
2. Nektaria Efthymiou – a senior technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in telecoms innovation
3. Zahra Jawad – CEO of Creasallis, a pioneering biotech developing antibody technologies for solid tumours
4. Gareth Jenkins – a senior executive with over 25 years’ experience in pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs)
5. Melissa Strange – a finance executive with 18+ years in life sciences, covering drug discovery, MedTech, and biotech
6. Richard Scaife – a chartered Mechanical Engineer with 38 years of expertise in industrial R&D, product development, and strategic innovation

How will the expert advisory panel shape R&D?

As set out in its published terms of reference, RDEAP’s role will include:

• Providing sector-specific insight into cutting-edge R&D to help HMRC keep pace with new innovation
• Reviewing and fine-tuning R&D guidance and communications so businesses and advisers can claim more easily
• Advising on risk and compliance, helping target support where it’s needed and reducing unnecessary enquiries
• Meeting quarterly to bridge the gap between HMRC and taxpayers, though the panel will not be making decisions about individual claims

Why does this matter for the R&D industry?

The addition of the panel shows HMRC are committed to improving guidance and reducing uncertainty in this increasingly complex area of tax. Eligibility definitions can be make or break for hopeful businesses. From technical narratives to correct cost allocations, expert insight is key.

HMRC also introduced a new system for agents to report poor service levels in other tax advisers, to help reduce error and fraud as part of a larger reform effort to ensure general good R&D practice.

What kind of improvements might we see to R&D?

More expert insight means we could see:

• Better sector-specific guidance – fewer claims rejected due to misinterpretation
• Clearer communications and support tools – faster HMRC enquiry resolution
• Greater transparency around emerging areas – such as AI or life sciences, helping businesses prepare stronger claims

Businesses should monitor upcoming legislation, HMRC communications, and RDEAP recommendations to stay compliant, anticipate scrutiny points, and strengthen documentation for complex R&D claims.

Following recent stakeholder feedback, HMRC’s R&D Professional Bodies mailbox is now open to all agents to report misleading advice, poor technical knowledge, or dishonest behaviour.

The expert advisory panel – conclusion

With the new R&D Expert Advisory Panel now in place, HMRC is reinforcing the quality and support around the R&D tax relief regime. For innovative UK companies, this could mean clearer eligibility criteria, smoother claims and greater confidence in claiming.

For bespoke advice tailored to your R&D tax relief claim, get in touch with our specialist advisers today.