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 f

rom
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.

17/07/2026

Our annual report and accounts from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 has been published. To read about our performance, finances and accountability:

Do I need a HTA licence? 🤔 You may need a licence for human tissue uses including:Anatomical examinationUnderstanding th...
15/07/2026

Do I need a HTA licence? 🤔

You may need a licence for human tissue uses including:

Anatomical examination
Understanding the cause of death
Public display
Clinical audit
Education or training
Research

See the full list and how to apply 🔎

https://lnkd.in/etgFtU2J

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking to appoint a new Chair of the HTA.As Chair, you’ll provide le...
14/07/2026

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: GOV.UK

Organ donation saves lives. 💗In the UK, around 8,000 people are currently waiting for a transplant. You can make a diffe...
09/07/2026

Organ donation saves lives. 💗

In the UK, around 8,000 people are currently waiting for a transplant. You can make a difference by registering your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.

All organ donation in the UK must be free and voluntary. Paying for an organ, or receiving payment for one, is a criminal offence under UK law, carrying up to three years in prison.

This is the case even if the crime has been committed abroad.

Body donation is arranged directly with a medical school (not via the HTA). HTA licenses and inspects establishments but...
09/07/2026

Body donation is arranged directly with a medical school (not via the HTA).

HTA licenses and inspects establishments but we do not accept donations or process donor forms.

To find the contact details of your nearest medical school see our “find a medical school” tool on our website 🔗 https://www.hta.gov.uk/medical-schools

Our Codes of Practice and standards offer practical guidance for professionals conducting activities under the HTA’s rem...
01/07/2026

Our Codes of Practice and standards offer practical guidance for professionals conducting activities under the HTA’s remit.

Find them here: https://ow.ly/K7HO50SyJ6Z

30/06/2026

There are four guiding principles in Code A:

🌟 Consent - and the wishes of the donor

🌟 Dignity - paramount in the treatment of human tissue and bodies

🌟 Quality - must underpin all management processes

🌟 Honesty and openness - the foundation of communication

Read the guidance here: https://ow.ly/y5O450UMCuI

Address

2 Redman Place
London
E201JQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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