How to become an IA

If you are interested in applying to become an IA, but unsure whether you meet the requirements, you should read the IA role specification (below) and contact the Living Donor Coordinator at your nearest transplant unit in the first instance.

If you wish to proceed, you will need to complete an Application Form, which must include details of a referee to support your application (usually Head of Department or Manager), and submit it to the HTA.

If you wish to proceed, you will need to complete an Application Form, which must include details of a referee to support your application (usually Head of Department or Manager), and submit it to the HTA.

We will only accept applications from people where a Living Donor Coordinator has confirmed there is a need for additional IAs to be trained for their unit.

We will check the application and request a reference. Once a satisfactory reference has been received, the individual will be contacted with details of the next training event.  All IAs receive training from the HTA and this allows them to conduct interviews for all living organ donation cases.

Each IA must have a current enhanced DBS /PVG check in place. After the training, the HTA will apply for an enhanced DBS check for the IAs based in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If the applicant has a valid enhanced DBS check which was issued within the last 6 months of the IA training, the HTA will accept this as a valid check in place.

For IAs based in Scotland, individual Health Boards should apply for their PVG checks and inform the HTA when this is completed. If this is not possible, the HTA will apply for an enhanced DBS check for IAs based in Scotland.

Following successful completion of the training and receipt of an enhanced DBS/PVG check, a certificate of accreditation will be issued and a letter of confirmation will be sent to the individual. A letter confirming IA accreditation will also be sent to the Living Donor Coordinators of the respective units. A formal letter will also be sent to the Chief Executive of the Trust and the Clinical Director.

It is recommended that once accredited, IAs observe an IA interview with an experienced IA at their transplant unit.

Person Specification

  • excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • IT literate with an ability to grasp new systems;
  • excellent interpersonal skills;
  • confidence in interviewing patients and exploring and addressing health issues and health risks;
  • familiar with requirements to maintain patient confidentiality;
  • the ability to work confidently in a hospital environment;
  • experience of report writing to a high standard;
  • familiar with equality and diversity legislation.

IAs come from varied backgrounds and do not need to be medically qualified.

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