Unethical Research Award
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.
- The Government stated in July 2025 that it accepted this recommendation in principle and would consult on providing an award for unethical research victims requiring minimal evidence, minimising delays, and ensuring consistency (Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report: Government Response, Cabinet Office, July 2025).
- A consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme was opened on 24 November 2025, covering the unethical research practices award (Consultation: Proposed Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, November 2025).
- The government stated that people treated for a bleeding disorder in the UK before 1986 would be eligible for an Unethical Research award (Government Response to Consultation on Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, 14 April 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe 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.
Progress Timeline
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.
14 April 2026 update: Government response (CP 1565) expands the Unethical Research award: "As we proposed, we will change the eligibility criteria so that everyone treated for a bleeding disorder within a specific time period will receive an unethical research award. They 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 we will adjust the date range to make sure it captures the evidence of unethical research that respondents shared with us." Regulations to implement these changes will be brought forward later in 2026. Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-infected-blood-compensation-scheme-will-improve-support-for-victims; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69ddf5fd7e2086c62da2f152/Government_response_to_consultation_on_proposed_changes_to_the_infected_blood_compensation_scheme__PDF_.pdf
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
As of 13 January 2026: 3,721 people asked to start claims, 3,546 begun process, 3,074 received offers totalling £2.47bn, 2,861 paid totalling £1.89bn. Third compensation regulations in force 31 December 2025.
View detailed findings
IBCA exceeded initial expectations. Three sets of regulations now in force covering infected persons, affected persons, and supplementary routes. £11.8bn committed in October 2024 Budget. Independent review found "very creditable progress."
IBCA has contacted 2,215 people to begin compensation claims; 1,934 started process. £812m+ paid via Horizon Shortfall Scheme. £11.8bn committed in Autumn Budget.
View detailed findings
IBCA exceeded expectations for first cohort and established operational service with "compassionate ethos." Target: bulk of infected payments by 2027, affected by 2029. Third compensation scheme regulations came into law 31 December 2025.