Organisational Culture Change
Cultural Change:
That a culture of defensiveness, lack of openness, failure to be forthcoming, and being dismissive of concerns about patient safety be addressed both by taking the steps set out in (a) above, and also by making leaders accountable for how the culture operates in their part of the system, and for the way in which it involves patients.
- The Scottish Government stated that it had responded to reviews about raising concerns in the workplace and was implementing associated recommendations (Government Response to the Infected Blood Inquiry, Cabinet Office, December 2024).
- No independent assessment of progress in addressing the culture of defensiveness in healthcare leadership has been identified to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartScotland established an Independent National Whistleblowing Office and introduced Non-Executive Whistleblowing Champions in all Health Boards. Wales enacted the 2020 Act. Northern Ireland is implementing a Being Open Framework.
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.