Correspondence

Committee Update - 6 February 2026

Updated 9 March 2026

Resignation of the Vice-Chair of the Memorial Committee

I am sad to inform the community that due to personal circumstances, Joan Edgington has stepped down in her role as Vice-Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee.

I am immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication that Joan has put into the role since her appointment. Joan has been an integral part of the progress that the Committee has made, particularly around the commemorative event held at Church House on 19 November 2025.

I know that Joan wishes the Committee every success in continuing this vitally important work. Joan has been instrumental in setting up the Committee and I know they would like to express their deep gratitude for all her efforts.

Invitations for Expressions of Interest for the role of Vice-Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee

As Joan is sadly unable to continue in her role, the Committee now holds a vacancy for the Vice-Chair position. For those who are interested in applying, please see the further information on the role description and application process below.

Appointment Description

The Infected Blood Inquiry made recommendations on recognising and remembering those who have been impacted by the scandal. It recommended that:

• a permanent memorial be established in the UK, and that consideration be given to memorials in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• there should be a memorial dedicated to the children infected at Treloar’s school
• at least three commemorative events are held, approximately six months apart, drawing together those infected and affected

Sir Brian Langstaff recommended setting up a steering committee with representatives from across the community, including both infected and affected groups, and UK and devolved governments.

Clive Smith was appointed as Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial steering Committee in July 2025.

Role and Responsibilities

The appointment of a Vice-Chair of the Committee (in addition to the Chair) looks to ensure that the main routes of transmission are fairly represented. Steering the Committee will be a complex and demanding role given the diverse views held by the community.

The key responsibilities of the Vice-Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Steering Committee are, working with the Chair to:

• Shape the Committee; advising on the appointments process, utilising the experience of different parts and needs of the community, ensuring members reflect a balance of representation across the community

• Supporting a positive working relationship with the Chair to deliver the Committee’s Terms of Reference, including a report with final recommendations to the Minister for the Cabinet Office on what memorials should be built and where
• Help the Chair moderate the Committee’s discussions; navigating the diverse views voiced by Committee members, summarising positions and bringing members together to reach a consensus
• Act as an impartial facilitator and voice of the wider community, ensuring that all the views of the community are heard and taken into consideration
• Enable the Committee to make final recommendations on what memorials should be built and where

Length of Term and Conditions

The appointment will be for an 18 month period with the possibility of extension. This will require a high degree of commitment and flexibility, with the time commitment expected to add up to at least a day per month.

The job is unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.

Application Process

The appointment will be a direct Ministerial appointment.

We are asking candidates to submit a (maximum) 500 word personal statement to ibmemorialisation@cabinetoffice.gov.ukibmemorialisation@cabinetoffice.gov.uk expressing your interest and setting out what you think you would bring to the role by close on Friday 13 February 2026.

The Chair will then hold informal conversations with shortlisted candidates.

Should you be successful we will undertake due diligence checks and share your name with infected blood community representatives to ensure there is consensus on the credibility of the appointment.

Best wishes,

Clive Smith (Chair of the Infected Blood Memorial Committee)