Jonathan Montgomery
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what conflict of interest risk assessment was made regarding the appointment of Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery as Chair of the group of clinical, legal and social care experts to advise the Cabinet Office on detailed technical considerations of responding to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s recommendations on compensation.
Government answer
Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery was appointed via direct Ministerial appointment to ensure that he and the expert group could begin their work as soon as possible. The appointment of the expert group will ensure the Government has the relevant expertise to make informed choices in responding to the Inquiry’s recommendations on compensation following the publication of the final report.
In regard to the appointment process for the chair of the expert group, a number of candidates with relevant experience were shortlisted for the role. All candidates underwent thorough due diligence and conflict of interest checks.