Duty of Candour - Northern Ireland
Duty of candour:
A statutory duty of candour in healthcare should be introduced in Northern Ireland.
- The Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2024-26 was introduced in the House of Commons on 16 September 2025 and completed public bill committee scrutiny in December 2025. The Bill creates a duty of candour for public authorities and public servants with criminal sanctions (UK Parliament, 2025-2026).
- The Bill's report stage was postponed in January 2026 for further amendments, and remained before the House of Commons as of March 2026 (UK Parliament, January 2026).
- No statutory duty of candour in healthcare specific to Northern Ireland had been enacted as of March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Northern Ireland Executive committed to proposing an organisational duty of candour, considering consultation findings and broader Hillsborough Law developments.
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.
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2024-26 ("Hillsborough Law") introduced September 2025, passed Commons January 2026, progressing through Lords. Creates statutory duty of candour for public authorities with criminal sanctions.
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.