Chair – Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to appoint a new Chair of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).

HTA is a statutory body which regulates organisations that remove, store and use human tissue for research, medical treatment, post-mortem examination, education and training, and display in public. It also oversees approval for living organ donation. Its overarching aim is to protect public and professional confidence in the safe and ethical use of human tissue.

As Chair of HTA you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and challenge to ensure the HTA delivers its statutory functions effectively and aligns with Government priorities. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Authority members, they foster stakeholder confidence, oversee organisational performance and transformation, support member development, and advise DHSC on Authority effectiveness and performance.

Applicants will have a strong career track record of significant delivery and leadership at a senior level within the private, public or voluntary sectors. You will have the ability to lead the board of a national public body, delivering robust governance and accountability, and developing executive and board performance. You will have sound judgement, with an ability to critically analyse a wide range of information and make evidence-based, strategic decisions. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead an organisation through change and improvement.

The Chair cannot have or have had a professional interest in any of the kinds of activity within the remit of the Human Tissue Authority.

Remuneration will be £42,000 per annum for a time commitment of two to three days a week. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will determine the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 3 years.

For more information, please visit the Public Appointments website: 
http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/8833  

If you require an alternative format please call Ralph Cabrega on 0113 254 5481 or Rachael Gingell on 0207 484 9424 quoting the reference VAC-8833.

The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.