Recommendation IBI-A-7a: Unethical Research Award
From Additional Report on Compensation, published 9 July 2025.
Recommendation
Where there is evidence that an individual was the victim of unethical research practices IBCA should be authorised to make an unethical research practices award to that individual.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry recommended authorising compensation awards for victims of unethical research practices. In July 2026, the Cabinet Office explained that new regulations make anyone treated for a bleeding disorder before 1986 eligible for an unethical research award without having to prove participation in a specific trial (Cabinet Office, Jul 2026). This followed its April 2026 consultation response confirming broad eligibility for individuals treated in the UK before 1986 (Cabinet Office, Apr 2026). The department had previously stated in July 2025 that it would consult on establishing an award requiring minimal evidence and consistent criteria (Cabinet Office response, Jul 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 1 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
The issue of unethical research is one of the most shocking areas of this scandal. In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme compensates victims of unethical research. As the Inquiry recommended, the Government will look to consult on the best way forward to provide an award that requires minimal evidence, minimises delays, and ensures consistency across awarding criteria.
Delivery
Cabinet Office says in progress (23 July 2026)
As proposed in the consultation, these Regulations will change the eligibility criteria so that everyone treated for a bleeding disorder within a specific time period will receive an unethical research award. People will no longer need to prove that this treatment happened at a specific haemophilia centre, or that they were part of a specific research trial. Following the consultation, these Regulations will adjust the date range to make sure it captures the evidence of unethical research that respondents shared in their responses. Anyone who received treatment for a bleeding disorder before 1986 will be eligible for the award.
From: Explanatory Memorandum to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Site note: The Cabinet Office's Explanatory Memorandum to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/872). The memorandum carries no date of its own; the row is dated 23 July 2026, the day the Regulations were made. They came into force the next day.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 April 2026)
Anyone who received treatment for a bleeding disorder in the UK before 1986 will now be eligible for additional compensation through the Unethical Research award.
From: Government response to consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Mentions in Parliament
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement