HTA Blog
Welcome to the HTA blog!
Our blog offers a space for new and unique perspectives on key issues relating to our work and the sectors we regulate. It will allow us to:
- Share articles from our staff, Authority Members, and those directly affected by our regulation.
- Get closer and more interactive with those who have an interest in the HTA.
- Offer you a way to share your views with us.
If you are already familiar with blogs then you will be aware that you have the ability to comment on each blog article.
New blogs will be added regularly so make sure to hit the 'Follow the HTA blog' button and sign up to receive a notification every time we add a new one.
All comments made on this blog site are moderated. We look forward to your comments, feedback, and any questions you might have for us.
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23 Jun, 2022
Public Service Day 2022
Christopher Birkett, Head of Regulation – Research and Anatomy at HTA, talks about what public service means to him and why it still matters.
05 Jan, 2022
Innovation in the round – the HTA’s cells and tissues partner discussion
In our last blog, the HTA outlined how we and our stakeholders have a clear role to play in achieving the governments’ Life Sciences Vision, together deliveri...
20 Sep, 2021
Innovation in regulation – the start of a critical conversation
Earlier this year the Minister for Innovation laid out a challenge to health regulators, the Professional Standards Authority, NICE and NHSX during an unprece...
30 Dec, 2020
Social media guidelines for anatomists – how they came about and how they link to the HTA
I think the vast majority of people would agree with me that social media has become a huge part of how we communicate and keep informed, be that sharing a ph...
05 Feb, 2020
The more things change, the more they remain the same
Our Chief Executive Allan Marriott-Smith takes a look back over the last decade of the HTA.
I’m sure I’m not alone in the thinking that coming to the end o...
27 Nov, 2019
Cheese sandwiches and kidneys: The role of an Independent Assessor
The little boy in his buggy beamed happily when I asked him what he was most looking forward to after he got his new kidney. ‘Cheese sandwiches!’ he shouted i...
24 Sep, 2019
Managing Authority
As an Authority Member, I and my colleagues are effectively Non-Executive Directors of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). This gives us a fascinating oversight...
28 Aug, 2019
Organ donation: Lessons from Wales
On December 1 2015, Wales became the first country in the UK to implement a ‘soft opt-out’ system for organ donation. Earlier this year we learnt that this ha...
30 Jul, 2019
The God of Small Things...
Our Head of Communications Mat Silk explains how the little things can be so important when dealing with human tissue and remains.
27 Jun, 2019
Eight things you should consider before setting up a biobank
Professor Andy Hall, a member of our board, explains what needs to be considered before setting up a biobank.
29 May, 2019
The Human Tissue Authority - A Matter of Life and Death
I generally cite this Powell and Pressburger / Archer Films classic (starring the wonderful David Niven) as my favourite film. But this isn’t a film review, s...