Updated guidance on the dignity and care of deceased people

The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) has published an updated version of its guidance for those responsible for the dignity and care of deceased people, following a review of feedback from organisations and professionals across a range of sectors. 

The guidance is a voluntary, principles-based resource to help organisations that care for deceased people, but which fall outside the HTA's regulatory remit. It does not introduce new regulatory requirements. 

Feedback on the previous version was positive overall, with respondents particularly valuing its clarity and principles-based approach. Respondents also identified areas for improvement, and this has informed updates to strengthen understanding of the guidance's purpose, intended audience and application across different settings. 

The review also generated feedback on broader themes, including regulation, minimum standards and sector-specific requirements. While these fall outside the scope of the guidance and the HTA's regulatory remit, the feedback has been shared with relevant colleagues and bodies where appropriate.  

The updated guidance is being published at a time of increased public and sector interest in how deceased people are cared for across different settings.  It reinforces the importance of protecting dignity by setting out principles that support accountability, effective oversight and respectful care wherever deceased people are care for.   

The HTA has developed this guidance as a resource to help organisations across a range of settings in reviewing and strengthening their own practices. 

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to review the guidance and share their feedback with us. 

Read the updated guidance here: Guidance for those responsible for the dignity and care of the deceased | Human Tissue Authority