IBCA appoints members to community advisory panel
Published 10 February 2026
From: Infected Blood Compensation Authority
People with direct experience of the infected blood scandal are helping shape how compensation is delivered.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has appointed 13 members to its Community Advisory Panel to provide independent, experience-led advice and guidance to board members.
Panel members will advise on the concerns, expectations and lived experience of those impacted by the scandal, and provide feedback on how compensation is delivered.They will also highlight potential barriers the community may experience with claiming compensation.
All panel members have been impacted by the infected blood scandal in some way, and reflect a range of experiences. The roles were advertised publicly so that anyone with lived experience of the infected blood scandal could apply.
A full list of panel members is provided below.
Owen McLaughlin, whose father died in 1989 after contracting infections through contaminated blood products, said: "I’m seeking to support the fair, transparent and compassionate delivery of the compensation scheme."
Catherine Gadd’s brother, Michael, died in 2011 as a result of contaminated factor VIII he was given in the 1980s to treat haemophilia.
Catherine, an advanced clinical practitioner, said: “The infected blood scandal has had a profound and lasting impact on my family, and it is this personal experience that motivates my involvement in the panel.
“It took me many years to speak openly about the scandal, but I
now feel able to use both my professional experience and personal insight to
support others and help ensure a fair and compassionate compensation process.”
IBCA Chief Executive David Foley said: "We are committed to putting the infected blood community at the heart of everything we do.
“The members of our Community Advisory Panel bring invaluable lived experience and expertise that will help ensure our compensation scheme is fair, compassionate and accessible.
“This panel will also play a vital role in helping us reach everyone who is eligible.”
IBCA Interim Chair Sir Robert Francis said: "At IBCA, we know the voices of the infected blood community are fundamental to shaping how we develop and deliver the compensation claim service.
“The creation of a Community Panel represents a crucial step in making sure that our work remains informed by the experiences of those we support.
“The panel will provide essential views and feedback on our approach, identify areas for consideration and ensure we remain accountable to the community throughout our work.
“I, and the IBCA board, are looking forward to working with them.”
As of 27 January 2026, IBCA has paid £1,931,442,663 in compensation to 2,949 people.
People can now register their intent to claim compensation if they are infected, affected, or acting on behalf of a deceased infected person - and IBCA has started making the first payments to people in these groups.
IBCA is currently asking those who are sadly nearing the end of their lives to come forward so they can be prioritised.
Community Advisory Panel members
Andrew Jones – Business psychologist with haemophilia with direct experience of the IBCA claims process. Brings international professional experience spanning 35 countries across five continents.
Aster Abebe – Legal professional with experience in advocacy and collaborative working. Committed to helping deliver a compensation service that is fair, transparent and compassionate.
Catherine Gadd – Healthcare professional with almost 40 years of experience in accident and emergency care, currently working as an advanced clinical practitioner. Her brother Michael died in 2011 after receiving contaminated factor VIII in the 1980s.
Conan McIlwrath – Current chair of The Haemophilia Society, diagnosed with haemophilia from birth and directly impacted by the scandal. Based in Northern Ireland, he provided evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry and has campaigned for parity across all UK nations.
Dr Lazarus Karamadoukis – Consultant nephrologist at Dorset County Hospital since 2009, with clinical leadership experience and membership of the Royal College of Physicians. Currently studying a postgraduate degree in law.
Hannah Truman – Qualified corporate lawyer who represents her grandfather's estate after he received infected blood in the 1980s.
Justine Gordon-Smith – Award-winning documentary filmmaker and campaigner whose father Peter died after receiving infected blood products. Has submitted significant evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry and continues to campaign for unpaid carers to be fully recognised.
Laurence Woollard – Has lived experience of severe haemophilia and family loss from contaminated blood. Brings 10 years of experience in patient advocacy and currently serves on NHS England's Specialised Blood Disorders Clinical Reference Group.
Lester Membe – His late wife was infected through contaminated blood, and as a result he and his daughter were also infected. Advocates for fairness, transparency and dignity for those impacted.
Louise McCormick – Educator and pastoral leader with over 23 years of experience, based in Belfast. Contributes to the Scottish Infected Blood Group and the Hepatitis B Trust.
Mohammad El-Gendi – Background in internal audit across banking and insurance, covering regulatory compliance, governance and risk management. Committed to ensuring IBCA operates fairly, transparently and accountably.
Owen McLaughlin – Senior business leader whose father died in 1989 after contracting infections through contaminated blood products. Has been involved in representing bereaved family members and estates.
Tim Green – Over 26 years of experience in IT, digital transformation and programme leadership. Has personal lived experience of the scandal and its long-term impact on his life and family.