- provide leadership, challenge and direction to the organisation, encouraging and enabling the HTA to be a first-class regulator of human tissue
- ensure that the HTA carries out its statutory functions under the Human Tissue Act 2004 and meets the Government’s policies and priorities for the sector, complying with directions and guidance issued by the Secretary of State
- in partnership with the Chief Executive, set the tone for excellent working relationships between the HTA and key stakeholders to ensure confidence in the work of the HTA of those who use services, the wider public, the regulated sector, Government and Parliament
- work with the Authority to set the strategic direction of the HTA and ensure resources are managed effectively with a focus on the development of HTA staff and organisational transformation, reflecting the organisation’s role and values as a first-class regulator
- as Chair, build, develop and improve the Authority providing guidance and support to all Authority members, ensuring their effective induction, support and development and advising the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on their performance
Chair – Human Tissue Authority
Time commitment – 3 day(s) per week
Remuneration – £42,000 per annum
Length of term – Ministers will determine the length of the appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 3 years.
Application deadline – Midday on 16 September 2026
Organisation description
The HTA’s key priority is to maintain public and professional confidence in the removal, storage and use of human tissue by ensuring that these activities are undertaken safely and ethically, and with proper consent.
The HTA was established as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body on 1 April 2005 under the Human Tissue Act 2004. It also acts as a Competent Authority in relation to EU legislation covering tissues and cells used in patient treatment, and organ donation and transplantation.
The HTA licences organisations that remove, store and use human tissue and organs for purposes such as research, transplantation, post-mortem examination, anatomical examination and public display, as set out in its governing legislation.
The HTA publishes Codes of Practice and Standards relating to the conduct of activities within its remit and superintends compliance with standards through a risk-based programme of audit and inspection. It also plays a regulatory role in living organ donation, ensuring that valid consent is given, and no coercion or reward takes place.
The HTA’s remit under the Human Tissue Act extends to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It also carries out some functions (in relation to EU legislation, regulating living donation, and keeping of registers), on behalf of the Scottish Government. Since December 2015, the Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2013 has governed consent for organ and tissue donation in Wales, for which the HTA has produced a Code of Practice and oversees compliance.
In addition to its roles in licensing, inspection, and approving living organ donations, the HTA has a statutory duty to provide advice and guidance to the public, and professionals, on activities within its remit. It also has a duty to monitor developments and advise the Secretary of State, and counterparts in devolved administrations, on related issues.
As a regulator, the HTA seeks to work with stakeholders to encourage improvement, remaining accessible and responsive to a changing environment and the needs of the organisations it regulates. It is regarded as being in a unique position to comment and offer guidance on challenging issues which fall on the edge of its regulatory remit
The HTA works closely with other regulators and industry to ensure that regulation supports innovation, whilst protecting public confidence. In the context of Government focus on its industrial strategy and the life sciences, HTA has identified various opportunities for improving the current legislative framework. This will become ever more necessary as the technology and science moves on and regulation will need to remain apace.
The Authority’s Chair and Members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The Chair and half of the members are lay, with the remainder being professionals drawn from some of the groups who are affected by the legislation.
Links
Business Plan and Strategy: HTA Business Plan 2026/27 | Human Tissue Authority
Guidance for Professionals: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals
Guidance for the Public: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public
Board composition
Regulation of appointment
Person specification
Essential criteria
- To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and experience to meet all the essential criteria for appointment.
- A strong career track record of significant delivery and leadership at a senior level within the private, public or voluntary sectors.
- Ability to lead the board of a national public body, delivering robust governance and accountability, and to develop both executive and board performance.
- Sound judgement with an ability to critically analyse a wide range of information and make evidence-based, strategic decisions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with others to drive improvements in your organisation and in the wider, complex landscape within which it operates.
How to apply
Thank you for your interest in the appointment of Chair of HTA.
DHSC’s Public Appointments Team is managing this recruitment campaign.
In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.
Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions To apply, all candidates are required to provide:
- equality information
- information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- a supporting statement
- a short professional biography (150 words)
We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.
In line with Cabinet Office guidance, AI must not be used to provide misleading information. While technology can be used in your application, for example to assist with structure, we value authenticity, and your statement setting out your suitability for the role should be made personally by you. If you are offered an interview, you should be prepared for the advisory assessment panel to discuss your statement and career history with you in detail.
You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the Disability Confident scheme before you submit your application.
You will also be required to make any declarations related to standards in public life and ensuring public confidence in your supporting statement. Further information on this can be found in the relevant section below.
The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.
If you are unable to create an account and apply online, or if you have any problems submitting your application online, please contact Rachael Gingell on 0207 4849424 or Ralph Cabrega on 0113 2545481.
