Human Tissue Authority

Human Tissue Authority The watchdog that ensures organs and tissue are used safely, ethically and with proper consent The HTA is accountable to the Secretary of State for Health.

The HTA licenses and inspects organisations that store and use human tissue for the purposes listed below:

• teaching about or studying the human body
• carrying out post-mortem examinations
• using human tissue to treat patients
• carrying out research on human tissue
• displaying human bodies or tissue in public (e.g. in a museum)

We also give approval for donations of organs and bone marrow from
living people. A living person who wants to donate their organs or
bone marrow has to go through an independent assessment process. This helps to make sure that the interests of donors are looked after. We work under two laws: the Human Tissue Act and the Quality
and Safety Regulations. Our aim is to make sure that these laws
are followed by setting standards that are clear and reasonable,
and in which the public and professionals can have confidence. We also help people to understand these requirements by providing
codes of practice and other advice, guidance and support. The professional members of our Board come from medical and
scientific backgrounds linked to our work, and the lay members bring
a wide range of business, commercial and public sector experience. You can find out more about the members of the Board on our
website. Because the HTA is funded by the Department of Health and
through licence fees, we make aim to provide value for money.

We've launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Code of Practice and Standards for the Research sector (Code E)...
15/09/2026

We've launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Code of Practice and Standards for the Research sector (Code E).

The consultation is open to anyone with an interest in the regulation of human tissue for research purposes, including licensed establishments, Designated Individuals, researchers, research ethics committees, patient and public groups, and other interested individuals and organisations.

Your feedback will help ensure the Code continues to meet the needs of the research sector: https://lnkd.in/ecSuvgrn

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking to appoint a new Chair of the HTA.As Chair, you’ll provide le...
05/09/2026

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking to appoint a new Chair of the HTA.

As Chair, you’ll provide leadership, challenge, and direction to ensure we continue to be a first-class regulator of human tissue. Applications close at mid-day 16 September 2026.

For further information and to apply: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8833

The dignity of those who have died is a matter of deep importance for families, communities and society as a whole. 🤍Our...
01/09/2026

The dignity of those who have died is a matter of deep importance for families, communities and society as a whole. 🤍

Our update guidance supports organisations and professionals responsible for the care of deceased people, helping them review and strengthen their practices to ensure dignity and respect.

Whilst it is developed from our regulatory experience and Codes of Practice, the guidance can be used by organisations outside our remit to support high standards of care.

It is available to read on our website 🔗

HTA guidance establishing best practice principles for organisations responsible for the dignity and care of deceased people.

24/08/2026

We have updated our guidance for those responsible for the dignity and care of deceased people. It follows a review of feedback from organisations and professionals across a range of sectors. With our thanks to everyone who contributed to the review, the guidance is available here:

HTA guidance establishing best practice principles for organisations responsible for the dignity and care of deceased people.

Regulation for our times 💡In 2025/26 we adapted our regulatory approach, using a range of assessment methods depending o...
21/08/2026

Regulation for our times 💡

In 2025/26 we adapted our regulatory approach, using a range of assessment methods depending on the sector and establishment.

For those with the strongest compliance records, 42 evaluated assessments were carried out. ✅ Meanwhile, establishments with higher risk received more intensive scrutiny, including unannounced inspections.

Read our annual review here: https://www.hta.gov.uk/news/human-tissue-authority-publishes-202526-annual-review

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