Individual Duty of Candour for Leaders
Statutory duty of candour:
The statutory duties of candour in England, Scotland, Wales (and Northern Ireland, when introduced) should be extended to cover those individuals in leadership positions in the National Health Service, in particular in executive positions and board members.
- The Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2024-26 was introduced on 16 September 2025 and completed public bill committee scrutiny in December 2025, creating a statutory duty of candour for public authorities and public servants (UK Parliament, 2025-2026).
- The Bill's report stage was postponed in January 2026, and the Bill remained before the House of Commons as of March 2026 (UK Parliament, January 2026).
- No legislation extending the statutory duty of candour to individuals in NHS leadership positions had been enacted as of March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartUK Government consultation (November 2024 - February 2025) sought views on whether a professional duty of candour should apply to NHS leaders. Response being prepared considering broader manager regulation proposals.
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.