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Independent Assessors

Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, any potential donation of a solid organ or part organ for transplantation must be assessed by an Independent Assessor and a report submitted to the HTA for consideration.

We are aware a number of people have received an email offering a living liver transplant in return for payment. Under the Human Tissue Act 2004 and the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 it is an offence to give or receive a reward for the supply of, or for an offer to supply, any organ or part organ. It is also an offence to seek to find a person willing to supply any organ or part organ for reward.  As such, any offer of a reward (including money) in exchange for an organ, is an offence in the UK. If found guilty of this offence a person may face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

The HTA trains and accredits Independent Assessors (IAs) to assess certain types of living organ transplantation in the UK.

IAs are usually, but not exclusively, based in hospitals with transplant units. Once accredited by the HTA, IAs act as a representative of both the donor and the HTA in order to help the HTA ensure the requirements of the Human Tissue Act 2004 have been met. IAs submit a report of their assessment to the HTA. The HTA makes the decision whether or not to approve the proposed donation.

Online submission system for IA reports

IAs submit their reports using our online submission system. This is a secure system which is data protected.

If the online system is unavailable, please use the IA contingency report (pdf, 93kb, opens in new window).

How to become an IA               

Please see the Guidance for transplant teams and Independent Assessors for information on the role of an IA. If you meet the person specification, please contact the HTA’s Transplant Approvals Team to request an application form. The HTA will request a reference, once this has been received and is satisfactory, a training package is to be completed.

Additional information is also available in the HTA’s code of practice on Donation of solid organs for transplantation.

For any further enquiries about the training and accreditation of IAs, please email transplants@hta.gov.uk or call 020 7269 1900.

Updated May 2011