McNaughton Nicholls (pictured) was most recently a director at Truth Consulting, and prior to that spent six years at NatCen, becoming co-head of crime and justice research. She has also held academic positions at the University of York and University College London.

Deborah Mattinson, founding partner at BritainThinks, said: "Carol’s expertise and experience will be valuable additions to our team."

BritainThinks recently moved to employee ownership. The company employs around 50 at its Somerset House, London office.