More than North East 250 jobs at blood scandal body in 2026

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), which is based in Newcastle, is recruiting for more than 250 roles in 2026 to speed up compensation payments to people affected by the scandal.

The infected blood scandal is one of the biggest medical disasters in UK history, where people were infected with HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne viruses after being treated with contaminated blood products during the 1970s and 1980s.

Jody Kelsey, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, left, and Alix Crabtree, Deputy Director of Data Operations, at the Infected Blood Compensation Authority at Benton Park View in Newcastle.  (Image: IBCA)

IBCA was set up in May 2024 and currently employs about 600 staff. More roles across the authority, including in operations, finance and service design, are set to be advertised in the next few months.

By December 16, 2025, IBCA had paid more than £1.8bn in compensation to 2,714 people.

Alix Crabtree, deputy director of data operations at IBCA, said the authority is reaching a “pivotal phase” in designing, developing and expanding the compensation service.

She said: “IBCA is a rewarding place to work because you get to use your expertise to solve real problems that genuinely matter for those who are due compensation.

“I’ve learnt so much in the past year working at significant speed at IBCA to ensure data can support and pay all those eligible. We use every piece of information available to build a complete picture of someone’s claim and pay their compensation as soon as we can.

“It’s complex, challenging work, but the team here is brilliant and supportive. As we expand our service and deliver compensation to more people, we need talented data professionals to join us.”

People in these roles will be required to combine expertise in data platforms with data security, and help shape the systems that support the compensation service while keeping people claiming safe from fraud.

Jody Kelsey, senior human resources business partner at IBCA, said people should apply if they are looking for a job with a ‘genuine purpose’.

She said: “We are looking for passionate professionals who want to be part of something truly meaningful.

“At IBCA, every role, whether in finance, data or other areas, plays a vital part in delivering for the people impacted by the infected blood scandal in a supportive environment.

“We are a caring employer where people are encouraged to develop their skills while making a real difference to thousands of lives. If you are looking for a new career with a genuine purpose for 2026, then we would love to hear from you.”

IBCA is currently based at offices in Benton Park View in Longbenton, Newcastle, but most staff are expected to move to new premises in the city centre later in the year.

The authority also has offices in Glasgow, and successful candidates for the current data roles can choose their preferred site.

Details of current vacancies can be found on Civil Service Jobs by searching for “IBCA”. Updates are also shared on LinkedIn.