2023/24 review: highlights

Presented ‘Travel for transplantation: The good the bad and the ugly’ 

We worked with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) to raise awareness of human trafficking for organ removal at the annual UK Living Kidney Donor Network meeting.

Published an update to Code of Practice F, Part two
We updated this Code of Practice to reflect legislation introducing an ‘opt-out’ or deemed consent system for deceased organ and tissue donation in Northern Ireland.

Hosted colleagues from Kyoto University, Japan
We welcomed colleagues from the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University and discussed the regulation of human cellular material in the UK.

Published the first of two open datasets in-year
In addition to the data we routinely publish, we committed to release additional datasets twice a year. The second group of datasets were published in September 2023.

Started using a shared HR service function
We began accessing a new HR function with the Care Quality Commission to deliver services, such as recruitment, to make efficiencies and help improve resilience.

Hosted members of the Western Australian Parliamentary Committee
We met parliamentarians and officials from Western Australia to discuss our role in living and deceased organ donation and the scope of offences under our legislation.

The UK’s first womb transplant publicised our role
The transplant was performed at Imperial College and Oxford University Hospitals. Both hospitals recognised the importance of our role in approving the transplant.

Hosted a multi-agency event on organ transplantation
We hosted a roundtable discussion with various police forces and other relevant organisations to share learning about human trafficking for organ removal. 
 

Attended focus groups about the Human Tissue Act (Supply of Information about Transplants) Regulations 2024 (‘Regulations’)
We attended DHSC-led focus group sessions with clinicians and patient groups to discuss the practical implications of reporting non-UK human organ transplants.

Deborah Bowman said farewell to the Board
We thanked Deborah for her valuable contributions as a member of our Board and her expertise in relation to bioethics, clinical ethics and medical law.

A healthcare group was fined for an offence under the Human Tissue Act 2004
We assisted the police with their investigation into a healthcare group, which was convicted for allowing the unauthorised storage of human tissue for research and fined £100,000.

Requirements changed for bodies laid to rest at sea
Working with stakeholders, we helped ensure DNA can be extracted from bodies before being laid to rest off the Isle of Wight. This helps match and identify body parts if they wash ashore.

Held a series of sector-focused forums
Starting in October, we led six sector-focused forums with key stakeholders. They identified current or anticipated regulatory issues and discussed solutions

The Fuller Independent Inquiry reported on crimes at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 
We are working to improve collaboration and drive-up standards across the sector. We will continue to fully support the inquiry as it undertakes its work.
 

New Board members joined our Authority
Mhairi Anderson, David Lock KC and Jessica Watts joined us as new Board members, bringing expertise linked to our regulated sectors and the wider system. Ellen Donovan was reappointed as the Member for Wales.