2023/24 review: Looking ahead

Reflecting on our activity last year helps shape our ambitions and the development of our new corporate strategy. In 2024/25, we will continue to be a proportionate, effective and forward-looking regulator. Our values of collaboration, openness, respect and excellence will again underpin how we ensure human tissue is handled safely and with proper consent.

• Approach to regulation: In 2023/24, we reviewed our approach to inspections and developed a new regulatory assessment tool. We will continue to refine how we assess the risks that a sector and establishments present, and work with stakeholders and establishments to drive up compliance with our standards.
• Use of data and information: As well as using data to improve our approach to regulation, we will use information gathered through horizon scanning and stakeholder engagement to identify priority areas. We continue to be a transparent regulator by publishing our data to support data-driven research and help maintain public trust and confidence.
• Building trust and confidence: Recognising that we are not the only organisation responsible for ensuring public trust and confidence with respect to human tissue, we will continue to collaborate and use our expertise to help achieve our ambitions, meet common goals and support innovation. In 2024/25, we will also continue to support the independent inquiry into Fuller’s offending and take action in light of the inquiry’s findings and recommendations.
• Being an efficient and effective public body: In addition to developing efficiencies to continue ensuring we effectively regulate our sectors, we will also make improvements within our organisation. To help do this, we will continue to pursue collaborative opportunities where practicable to improve our systems and processes. We will also develop a renewed people strategy to improve how we value, reward and retain the best talent.

I look forward to leading the organisation through another exciting year as we deliver our strategic ambitions. I thank our excellent staff for their dedication and commitment, alongside our licensed establishments and other stakeholders for their work to help achieve the safe and trusted use of human tissue.

Dr Colin Sullivan

Chief Executive, Human Tissue Authority