Since the long-awaited announcement in May that compensation will be paid in recognition of the wrongs inflicted by the infected blood scandal, we have been discussing the Government's proposals with groups of people who represent a broad range of those who have suffered so terribly. This will ensure the Government can take into account what you think in finalising its proposals and to consider how a compensation scheme will work in practice. Time to do this was necessarily limited because of the legal requirements for the relevant regulations to be made by 23 August.
An enormous thank you to everyone who took the time and energy to do this, and also to all of you for your ongoing understanding as we get the Infected Blood Compensation Authority up and running as quickly as possible. The dignity and commitment shown by all those who we met humbles us and has strengthened our determination to get a compassionate, fair, effective and transparent process up and running as soon as possible.
Inevitably, setting up an organisation capable of delivering this is complicated and we feel getting it right for the community is just as important as speed. We are only too aware that all those who are entitled to compensation have already waited too long; far too long. So we know it's very important that we're open about our progress and keep you informed and involved. We're sorry we weren't able to start these updates sooner because of the election period, but this regular note aims to ensure you're kept updated from now on.
Sir Robert Francis KC (Chair) and David Foley (Chief Executive)
Our progress so far
Since we published our Statement of Intent in May we've been creating an independent body; the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (we'll refer to it as IBCA for ease). IBCA is focussed on delivering a compensation scheme that's simple to use, easy to access and securely pays out money as quickly as possible. To do this, the Government is required to lay regulations in Parliament setting out the scheme, which needs to happen before we can deliver the payments process and start making payments.
In the last two months we've started to create the organisation and recruit a team to design and deliver that. We'll provide more details about the new team in the next update.
Some of the activities we're already working on include:
- starting to design a compensation service, and testing early versions with some of you who volunteered to be involved, with one-to-one interviews this month;
- working out how many case managers - and with what skills - we need to support you as you claim compensation, both online and over the phone depending on your needs and preferences;
- working with existing financial support schemes to understand how we can reduce the need for you to provide information again (we'll ask for your agreement where there's any personal data you haven't already agreed to share).
We know what you really need to hear is how soon compensation will be paid. We're aiming for the first payments to be made before the end of 2024, but this does depend on how quickly we can build a service that balances speed with ease of use and data security.
We'll need to start small to ensure we get this right, working with you through every stage of the development, and in the meantime we absolutely commit to keeping you updated regularly on how that work is progressing.
What's happening with the feedback from engagement sessions?
During June, we (Sir Robert Francis and David Foley) ran a series of engagement sessions with community representatives to ask what you thought about proposals for the compensation scheme announced by the Government in May, before the election.
These sessions were wide-ranging and asked for views on:
- the current Infected Blood Support Schemes across the UK;
- how different infections and impacts could be considered (known as severity bandings);
- whether the compensation proposal accurately reflects the full range of individuals' future financial and care needs and requirements;
- How we can build equality into a compensation scheme.
Our report will be sent to the Government and include recommendations for the compensation scheme, based on these engagement sessions, and we plan to publish it when finalised this summer.
Getting involved - we welcome your input and advice
We're committed to those impacted by the infected blood scandal being at the centre of our planning and delivery for the compensation scheme, including how we ensure it's designed around you.
Below are the latest opportunities to support our work, with more to follow in coming months. For all these opportunities, volunteers are taken from those who have signed up to IBCA updates (register your interest here) so please do sign up if you haven't already.
Recruiting a Community Representative
We're recruiting a permanent role for a user consultant that can help us shape everything the IBCA does - from building the service to ensuring our staff understand how best to support you. This role will only be open to those who have lived experience of the infected blood scandal, to ensure we have first-hand advice on the impact of our work. We'll send an update when the job advert is live for those who may be interested in applying.
Advisory Panel for Communications
To help us shape regular communications and make sure we're reaching those who are infected and affected in the community, we welcome volunteers who are willing to look at, comment on or contribute to news and updates, including products like this newsletter. We will be reaching out to those of you who have already told us that you'd like to take part in providing input into our design and delivery. Click here to register your interest.
A quick reminder - please be aware of fraud
If you have any doubts about a message or phone call from us being genuine, please contact us to check, using the details from our current website.
Always report suspicious text messages or scam calls, free of charge to 7726.
Your provider can find out where the text came from and block or ban the sender.
You can report fraud or cyber crime any time at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report it to the Police by calling 101. If you are a victim of fraud, report it to your bank.
Keep up to date with IBCA
To keep up to date and involved with the work of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, please register your interest on our current website, or by phone on 0141 726 2397. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
