Duty of Candour - England Review
Duty of candour:
The review of the duty of candour currently under way in England should be completed as soon as practicable.
- The published review found that the duty's purpose was unclear to many in the healthcare system and its application was inconsistent (Government Response to the Infected Blood Inquiry, Cabinet Office, December 2024).
- On 26 November 2024, the Government launched a 12-week consultation on regulating NHS managers in England, including proposals for a professional duty of candour for NHS managers (Government Response to the Infected Blood Inquiry, Cabinet Office, December 2024).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedA November 2024 call-for-evidence found inconsistent application of the duty. Government is preparing consultation response with final review report to follow manager regulation consultation conclusions.
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.