Guidance

The Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG)

Updated 16 April 2024

The Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) provides independent evidence-based advice to Minister for Defence People and Veterans (DPV) on the medical and scientific aspects of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and related matters so that AFCS policy and individual decision making reflects contemporary medical understanding on causation and progress of disorders.

All appointments are not remunerated posts however reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be paid.

All appointments and re-appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

2024

March

Following approval from the Minister of Defence People and Families, Mr Neil Pearce has been appointed as a Member of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG). The period of appointment is for three years, with effect from 1 March 2024. It will expire on 28 February 2027.

2023

October

Following approval from the Minister of Defence People and Veterans, Dr Ali Hashtroudi and Mr Nick Bunting have been reappointed as Members of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for a further three-year term. The reappointment for Mr Nick Bunting will take effect from 1 September 2023 and will expire on 31 August 2026. Dr Ali Hashtroudi’s reappointment will take effect from 1 October 2023 and will expire on 30 September 2026.

2022

November

Following approval from the Minister of Defence People and Veterans, Mr Timothy Wilton and Dr Norman Poole have been appointed as Members of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG). The period of appointment is for three years, with effect from 1 December 2022 and will expire on 30 November 2025.

June

Following approval from the Minister of Defence People and Veterans, Dr John Scadding has been reappointed as Chair of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for a further three year term. This reappointment will take effect from 1 September 2022 and will expire on 31 August 2025.

January

Following approval from the Minister of Defence People and Veterans, Dr Louisa Murdin has been appointed as a Member of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG). The period of appointment is for three years, with effect from 10 December 2021 and will expire on 30 September 2024.

2021

February

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer MP has agreed a six-month extension to the existing appointment of Professor Peter White, as member of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG), from 1 September 2021 to 28 February 2022.

2020

28580 Two Medical members for the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG)

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Prof Paul Cullinan as one of the medical members of the Independent Medical Expert Group for a period of three years. Prof Cullinan is replacing Dr John Scadding who is now the Chair of IMEG. The appointment will commence on 1 September 2020 and expire on 31 August 2023. The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has also appointed Dr Ali Hashtroudi as one of the medical members of the Independent Medical Expert Group for a period of three years. He will be replacing Dr Snashall who is leaving on 30 September 2020. The appointment will commence on 1 October 2020 and expire on 30 September 2023.

28664 Ex-Service Charities organisation member of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG)

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Mr Nicholas Bunting as Ex-Service Charities organisation member of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for a period of three years. Mr Bunting will be replacing Mr Barry Le Grys. The appointment will commence on 1 September 2020 and will expire on 31 August 2023.

2019

June

Minister (DPV) formally appointed Dr John Scadding as the new Chair for IMEG for a 3-year term commencing on 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2022.

2017

September

Barry Le Grys was appointed to the IMEG on the 1 September 2017 for a period of 3 years from 1 September to 31 August 2020.

2016

November

The following were re-appointed by the Minister for Defence Veterans Reserves and Personnel on 22 November 2016 for a period of 3 years from 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2019:

  • Professor Sir Anthony Newman Taylor, Chair

Members:

  • Professor Linda Luxon
  • Professor James Ryan
  • Dr John Scadden OBE
  • Professor David Snashall

2013

May

Sir Anthony Newman Taylor has been appointed by the Rt Hon Mark Francois MP Minister (DPWV) as chair of this recently established permanent Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body. Sir Anthony will take up his post for an initial term of 3 years beginning on 1 September 2013 and ending on 1 September 2016.

August

The following candidates have been appointed by the Rt Hon Mark Francois MP Minister (DPWV) as members of the above advisory Non-Departmental Public Body.

  • Professor Linda Luxon
  • Professor James Ryan
  • Dr John Scadding
  • Dr David Snashall
  • Professor Peter White

All candidates take up post for an initial term of 3 years beginning on 1 September 2013 and ending on 1 September 2016.

November

The following candidate has been appointed by the Rt Hon Mark Francois MP, Minister (DPWV) as Member to IMEG until 20 November 2016.

  • Mr Jerome Church MBE