The government has made a selection of important appointments to the board of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) today.
Six non-executive directors (NEDs) have been appointed to the board of IBCA, an independent authority which will deliver compensation to victims of infected blood.
Three NEDs have been appointed by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, and three have been appointed by Interim Chair of IBCA, Sir Robert Francis KC.
So far, the government has paid over £1 billion in compensation to victims of infected blood, and remains committed to start delivering final compensation payments by the end of the year.
The government has already established a comprehensive compensation scheme in law, which was based on recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry and Sir Robert Francis KC.
These appointments meet the requirements of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which states that IBCA is to consist of non-executive members among other roles.
The six NEDs are:
- Russell Frith, Chair of IBCA Audit & Risk Committee, Former Assistant Auditor General of Audit Scotland
- Deborah Harris-Ugbomah, Founder and President of Lean In London; with extensive experience in risk, assurance and corporate compliance in financial services and the public sector
- Paula Sussex, Chief Executive Officer, OneID and former CEO, Student Loans Company
- Gillian Fairfield, Chair of the Disclosure and Barring Service
- Sir Rob Behrens, outgoing Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in the UK
- Helen Parker, former Deputy CEO of WHICH? and a committee member of HealthWatch England
In their roles, they will provide constructive challenge to the IBCA board, which will support IBCA's decision making as it delivers compensation to the community.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said:
I am delighted to welcome six new non-executive directors to join the board of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.
Their appointments are another important step in establishing IBCA and preparing to deliver compensation which too many people have waited too long to receive.
This government is doing everything possible to deliver compensation quickly, and in many cases deliver life-changing sums to people infected and affected by this scandal.
Interim Chair of the IBCA, Sir Robert Francis KC, said:
At the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, we are fully committed to building an organisation that delivers compensation to those impacted by contaminated blood and blood products.
We recognise that those entitled to compensation have already waited far too long, and we are building the Authority at speed to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of this crucial service.
To achieve this, it is vital that we have the right people working together within IBCA. Our newly appointed non-executive directors bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise that will guide us as we develop an organisation grounded in candour, compassion, and transparency.
Each of our non-executive directors brings unique skills and insights from diverse industries and disciplines, ensuring that IBCA is well-equipped to deliver the best possible service to the community we serve.
