Guidance

Whistleblowing: list of prescribed people and bodies

Updated 29 December 2023

If you decide to blow the whistle to a prescribed person rather than your employer, you must make sure that you have chosen the correct person or body for your issue. For example, if you are blowing the whistle on broadcasting malpractice you should contact the Office of Communications (Ofcom).

Below is a list of the prescribed persons and bodies who you can make a disclosure to. There is also a brief description about the matters you can report to each prescribed person.

In addition, you can also blow the whistle to your legal adviser, your MP or your MSP.

More information on whistleblowing.

Broadcasting and communication

The Office of Communications (known as Ofcom)

Contact them about:

  • the provision of electronic communications networks and services
  • broadcasting and the provision of radio and TV services
  • media ownership and control
  • competition in communication markets

Chairman
The Office of Communications
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA

Tel: 020 7981 3000
Fax: 020 7981 3333
Website: www.ofcom.org.uk

Business, finance or fraud

Accounts Commission for Scotland

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business, value for money, fraud and corruption in local government bodies in Scotland.

The Secretary to the Accounts Commission
Accounts Commission for Scotland
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN

Tel: 0131 625 1500
Email: correspondence@audit-scotland.gov.uk
Website: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk

The Auditor General for Wales

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business; value for money, fraud and corruption in public bodies in Wales.

PIDA Officer
The Auditor General for Wales
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ

Tel: 029 20 320 522
Email: whistleblowing@audit.wales
Website: www.audit.wales/whistleblowing

The Auditor General for Scotland

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business in Scotland, including value for money, fraud and corruption in relation to the provision of public services.

The Auditor General for Scotland
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN

Tel: 0131 625 1500
Email: correspondence@audit-scotland.gov.uk
Website: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/contact-us/whistleblowing

Audit Scotland

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business in Scotland, including value for money, fraud and corruption in public bodies.

Audit Scotland
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN

Tel: 0131 625 1500
Email: correspondence@audit-scotland.gov.uk
Website: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/contact-us/whistleblowing

The Bank of England

Contact them about:

  • functioning of clearing houses (including central-counterparties)
  • payment systems and securities settlement systems
  • the treatment, holding and issuing of banknotes by the Scottish and Northern Ireland banks authorised to issue banknotes (and their agents)
  • the custody distribution and processing of Bank of England banknotes under the Bank of England’s Note Circulation Scheme
  • the provision of services relating to payment systems

Bank of England,
Intelligence and Whistleblowing Team,
Threadneedle Street,
London EC2R 8AH

Tel: 020 3461 8703
Email: whistleblowing@bankofengland.co.uk

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Contact them where you think a local authority councillor or a board member of a devolved public body in Scotland has acted in a way that breaches the applicable code of conduct.

Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland
Thistle House
91 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5HE

Tel: 0300 011 0550
Email: info@ethicalstandards.org.uk

Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Contact them about:

  • the administration of UK taxes
  • the administration of national insurance and tax credits systems
  • customs and border-related functions
  • criminal investigations

HMRC Fraud Hotline
Cardiff
CF14 5ZN

Tel: 0800 788 887
Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-tax-evasion

The Comptroller and Auditor General

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business, value for money, fraud and corruption in relation to the provision of public services.

The Comptroller and Auditor General
National Audit Office
157-197 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SP

Tel: 020 7798 7999
Website: www.nao.org.uk/contact-us/whistleblowing-disclosures/

The Director of the Serious Fraud Office

Contact them about serious or complex fraud, including bribery and corruption, in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and civil recovery of the proceeds of unlawful conduct.

The Director of the Serious Fraud Office
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5BS

Website: www.sfo.gov.uk/contact-us/reporting-serious-fraud-bribery-corruption

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Contact them about:

  • the conduct of funds, markets, firms and individuals subject to Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (including banks, building societies, consumer credit and investment or insurance businesses)
  • competition affecting financial markets in the UK and about the operation of mutual societies registered by the FCA under relevant legislation
  • the conduct of electronic money issuers (for the purposes of Electronic Money Regulations 2011)
  • the conduct of Payment Services Providers (for the purposes of the Payment Services Regulations)
  • the conduct of securitisation repositories (for the purposes of the UK Securitisation Regulation)
  • the conduct of trade repositories (for the purposes of the UK Securities Financing Transactions Regulation)
  • the conduct of credit institutions, investment firms, insurance undertakings, reinsurance undertakings, institutions for occupational retirement provision, management companies, investment companies, alternative investment fund managers, central counterparties, shareholders of credit rating agencies, issuers of financial instruments and any other person with obligations under the UK Credit Rating Agencies Regulation for the purposes of that Regulation
  • the operation of small UK Alternative Investment Fund Managers registered under regulation 10 of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013
  • the functioning of financial markets
  • money laundering, financial crime, and other serious financial misconduct, in connection with activities regulated by the FCA
  • the conduct of self-regulatory organisations (in relation to regulation 2 of the Oversight of Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Supervision Regulations 2017)
  • the conduct of persons who are supervised contributors within the meaning of Article 3(1)(10) of Regulation (EU) no. 2016/1011 on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts or to measure the performance of investment funds
  • the conduct of persons who are Miscellaneous BM persons within the meaning of regulation 5(2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Benchmarks) Regulations 2018)
  • the conduct of persons subject to functions conferred on the Financial Conduct Authority under Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Intelligence Department (ref PIDA)
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN

Tel: 020 7066 9200
Fax: 020 7676 9727
Email: whistle@fca.org.uk
Website:www.fca.org.uk/site-info/contact/whistleblowing

Financial Reporting Council Limited and its conduct committee

Contact them about matters relating to:

  • Statutory Audit in the UK (including oversight, monitoring and enforcement)
  • the independent oversight of the accountancy and actuarial professions
  • compliance with the requirements of accounting and reporting legislation
  • the investigation and enforcement action in relation to the conduct of accountants and actuaries and disciplinary action in public interest cases
  • the oversight of local audit, monitoring of major local audits and the investigation and enforcement action in relation to the conduct of local auditors in public interest cases
  • the independent supervision of the Auditor General
  • Third Country Auditors

PIDA Officer
Financial Reporting Council
8th Floor
125 London Wall
London
EC2Y 5AS

Tel: 0207 492 2497
Email: whistleblowing@frc.org.uk
Website: www.frc.org.uk

The Lord Advocate, Scotland

Contact them about serious or complex fraud in Scotland.

Procurator Fiscal Specialist Casework
Crown Office
25 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LA

Tel: 0300 020 3519
Email: PA_PFSpecialistCasework@copfs.gov.uk
Website: www.copfs.gov.uk

Payment Systems Regulator

Contact them about payment systems and the services provided by them.

Payment Systems Regulator
Intelligence Department (Ref PIDA)
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN

Tel: 020 7066 9200
Email: whistle@fca.org.uk

Prudential Regulation Authority

Contact them about matters relating to the carrying on of deposit-taking business, insurance business, or investment business and the safety and soundness of persons authorised for such purposes.

Bank of England,
Intelligence and Whistleblowing Team,
Threadneedle Street,
London
EC2R 8AH

Tel: 020 3461 8703
Email: whistleblowing@bankofengland.co.uk

Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

Contact them about breaches by a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority’s code of conduct in Wales.

Public Services Ombudsman
1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae
Pencoed
CF35 5LJ

Tel: 0300 790 0203
Fax: 01656 641199
Email: ask@ombudsman.wales
Website:www.ombudsman.wales

Revenue Scotland

Contact them about the administration of the devolved taxes in Scotland, (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, and Scottish Landfill Tax).

Revenue Scotland
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Email: info@revenue.scot
Website: www.revenue.scot

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Contact them about fraud and other misconduct in relation to companies.

Intelligence Team
Insolvency Service
3rd Floor, Cannon House
18 Priory Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6FD

Tel: 0300 678 0017
Email: Intel.team@insolvency.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/insolvency-service

Charities

The Charity Commission for England and Wales

Contact them about the proper administration of charities in England and Wales and of funds given or held for charitable purposes in England and Wales.

See Report serious wrongdoing at a charity as a worker or volunteer.

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator

Contact them about the proper administration of charities and of funds given or held for charitable purposes in Scotland.

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
2nd Floor
Quadrant House
9 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY

Tel: 01382 220 446
Fax: 01382 220 314
Email: info@oscr.org.uk

Children’s interest

Children’s Commissioner for England

Contact them about matters relating to the rights, welfare and interests of children in England.

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner
Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT

Tel: 020 7783 8330

Email: info.request@childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Website: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk

Children’s Commissioner for Wales

Contact them about matters relating to the rights, welfare and issues affecting children, young people and those who care for them, in Wales.

Children's Commissioner for Wales
Llewellyn House
Harbourside Business Park
Harbourside Road
Port Talbot
SA13 1SB

Tel: 0808 801 1000 (freephone number) / 0179 276 5600
Email: post@childcomwales.org.uk
Website: www.childcomwales.org.uk

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland

Contact them about matters relating to promoting and safeguarding the rights of children and young people in Scotland.

Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland
Bridgeside House
99 McDonald Road
Edinburgh
EH7 4NS

Tel: 0131 346 5350
Email: inbox@cypcs.org.uk
Website: www.cypcs.org.uk

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (‘the Chief Inspector’)

Contact them about matters relating to regulation and inspection of children’s social care.

Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD

Tel: 0300 123 3155
Email: whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

Contact them about matters relating to child welfare and protection.

NSPCC
Weston House
42 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3NH

Tel: 0800 028 0285

This phoneline is staffed 365 days a year:

  • Mon-Fri (incl. bank holidays) 8am to 10pm
  • Weekends 9am to 6pm

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/dedicated-helplines/whistleblowing-advice-line/

Welsh ministers

Contact them about matters relating to:

  • the regulation and inspection of establishments and agencies for children’s social care services
  • the inspection of Welsh local authority children’s social services

Care Inspectorate Wales
Welsh Government Office
Sarn Mynach
Llandudno Junction
LL31 9RZ

Tel: 0300 7900 126
Email: ciw@gov.wales
Website: careinspectorate.wales/

Consumer protection

Competition and Markets Authority

Contact them about matters concerning the sale of goods or the supply of services, which adversely affect the interests of consumers; or about competition affecting markets in the UK.

Competition and Markets Authority
The Cabot
25 Cabot Square
London
E14 4QZ

Tel: 020 3738 6000
Email: whistleblower@cma.gov.uk
Online form: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/make-a-whistleblower-report

Your local authority

Contact them about compliance with the requirement of consumer protection legislation. Find the contact details for your local authority.

Cyber

Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (known as Ofgem)

Contact them about:

  • the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity
  • the transportation, shipping and supply of gas through pipes
  • smart meter communication service and ancillary activities
  • the renewable generation of heat
  • any other activities in relation to Ofgem’s functions, including their functions under the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018

Whistleblowing Desk
Consumer Affairs
10 South Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 4PU

Tel: 020 7901 7121
Email: whistle@ofgem.gov.uk
Website: www.ofgem.gov.uk

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Contact them about:

  • their functions under the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018

Email: nis.energy@beis.gov.uk

Data protection and freedom of information

The Information Commissioner

Contact them about compliance with the requirement of legislation relating to data protection and to freedom of information.

The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
SK9 5AF

Tel: 0303 123 1113
Email: icocasework@ico.org.uk
Website: www.ico.org.uk

The Scottish Information Commissioner

Contact them about compliance with the requirement of legislation relating to freedom of information in Scotland.

Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
KY16 9DS

Tel: 01334 464610
Email: enquiries@itspublicknowledge.info
Website: www.itspublicknowledge.info

Defence procurement

Single Source Regulations Office

Contact them about matters relating to the provision of the Defence Reform Act 2014 and the Single Source Contract Regulations, which apply to single source defence contracts.

Single Source Regulations Office
Finlaison House
15-17 Furnival Street
London
EC4A 1AB

Tel: 020 3771 4792
Email: disclosures@ssro.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/ssro

Education

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (‘the Chief Inspector’)

Contact them about matters relating to the welfare of children provided with accommodation by boarding schools, colleges and residential special schools.

The Chief Inspector
Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD

Tel: 0300 123 3155
Email: whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk

Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)

Contact them about matters in relation to which the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation exercise functions under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.

Whistleblowing and malpractice
Complaints investigation manager
Ofqual
Earlsdon Park
53-55 Butts Road
Coventry
CV1 3BH

Tel: 0300 303 3344
Email: whistleblowing@ofqual.gov.uk
Online form: complaints.ofqual.gov.uk/new-concern

Qualifications Wales

Contact them if you have concerns about the design, delivery or award of qualifications taken in Wales, or about a regulated awarding body. Qualifications Wales exercises its functions under the Qualifications Wales Act 2015.

Qualifications Wales
Q2 Building
Pencarn Lane
Imperial Park
Coedkernew
Newport
NP10 8AR

Tel: 01633 373 222
Email: report@qualificationswales.org
Website: qualificationswales.org

Secretary of State for Education

Contact them about matters relating to the following educational institutions in England:

  • maintained schools
  • maintained nursery schools
  • independent schools (including academies and free schools)
  • non-maintained special schools
  • pupil referral units
  • alternative provision academies
  • 16 to 19 academies (and free schools)
  • an institution within the further education sector
  • special post-16 institutions

Ministerial and Public Communications Division
Department for Education
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD

Tel: 0370 000 2288
Website: www.gov.uk/contact-dfe

Environment

The Environment Agency

Contact them about acts and omissions which have an actual or potential effect on the environment or the management or regulation of the environment. This includes those relating to pollution, abstraction of water, flooding, the flow in rivers, inland fisheries and migratory salmon or trout.

National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY

Tel: 03708 506 506
Website: www.gov.uk/environment-agency

Environmental Standards Scotland

Contact them about:

  • the functions of Environmental Standards Scotland
  • Scottish public authorities’ compliance with environmental law

Tel: 0808 196 4000
Email: representations@environmentalstandards.scot
Website: www.environmentalstandards.scot

Natural Resources Wales

Contact them about matters relating to the environment and natural resources as set out in the Natural Resources Body for Wales (Establishment) Order 2012.

Natural Resources Wales
c/o Customer Care Centre
Ty Cambria
29 Newport Rd
Cardiff
CF24 0TP

Tel: 0300 065 3000 (press ‘1’ when prompted, 24 hours, 7 days a week)
Website: www.naturalresources.wales/about-us/contact-us/complaints-and-compliments/whistleblowing/

Office for Environmental Protection

Contact them about:

  • the functions of the Office for Environmental Protection
  • public authorities’ compliance with environmental law

Office for Environmental Protection
Worcestershire County Hall
Spetchley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP

Telephone: 03300 416 581
Email: enquiries@theoep.org.uk
Website: www.theoep.org.uk

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Contact them about acts and omissions which have an actual or potential effect on the environment or the management or regulation of the environment. This includes those relating to flood warning systems and systems and pollution in Scotland.

Clerk to the Board
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Strahallan House Castle Business Park
Stirling
FK9 4TZ

Tel: 0178 6457 700
Email: whistleblowing@sepa.org.uk
Website: www.sepa.org.uk

Equalities and human rights

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Contact them about compliance with the requirements of legislation relating to equality and human rights.

Tel: 0161 829 8100
Email: whistleblowing@equalityhumanrights.com
Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com/whistleblowing

Food standards

The Food Standards Agency (FSA)

Contact them about matters which may present a risk to health of any member of the public in connection with the production, supply or consumption of food, or otherwise concern the protection of consumer interests in relation to food in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Food Standards Agency
Floors 6 and 7
Clive House
70 Petty France
London
SW1H 9EX

Tel: 0330 332 7149
Email: foodcrime@food.gov.uk
Website: www.food.gov.uk

The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU)

Contact if you have any concerns or information relating to fraud or criminality in food supply chains via the report a food crime online service or call Food Crime Confidential on the number below.

Tel: 0207 276 8787

Food Standards Scotland

Contact them about matters which affect the health and safety of consumers and the authenticity of food production in Scotland.

You can report any suspicions or knowledge of food crime to the free and confidential Scottish Food Crime Hotline, in partnership with Crimestoppers – 0800 028 7926 or online or in confidence contact the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit directly at foodcrime@fss.scot.

Food Standards Scotland
4th Floor
Pilgrim House
Old Ford Road
Aberdeen
AB11 5RL

Tel: 01224 285100
Website: www.foodstandards.gov.scot

Older People’s Commissioner

Contact them about matters relating to the rights and wellbeing of older people in Wales.

Cambrian Buildings
Mount Stuart Square
Butetown
Cardiff
CF10 5FL

Tel: 02920 445030
Email: ask@olderpeoplewales.com
Website: www.olderpeoplewales.com

Your local authority

Contact them about compliance with the requirements of food safety legislation. Find the contact details for your local authority.

Health and safety

The Health and Safety Executive

Contact them about:

  • their functions under the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018
  • the industries and work activities for which the Health and Safety Executive is the enforcing authority under the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998
  • the health and safety of individuals at work, or the health and safety of the public arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work

Tel: 0300 003 1647
Online form: www.hse.gov.uk/contact/concerns.htm

Office for Nuclear Regulation

Contact them about matters which may affect the health and safety of individuals on a:

  • nuclear site
  • an authorised defence site
  • a new nuclear build site

They are also interested in the health and safety of any member of the public in connection with the activities of persons at work on premises which are, or are on, such sites.

Office for Nuclear Regulation
Building 4 Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
L20 7HS

Email: Contact@ONR.gov.uk
Website: www.onr.org.uk/complaints-concerns-whistleblowing.htm

Office of Rail and Road

Contact them about:

  • the provision and supply of railway services
  • any other activities in relation to the Office of Rail and Road functions

Office of Rail and Road
25 Cabot Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 4QZ

Tel: 020 7282 2000
Fax: 020 7282 2040
Website: www.orr.gov.uk

Your local authority

Contact them about:

  • matters which may affect the health or safety of any individual at work
  • matters which may affect the health and safety of any member of the public arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work

Find the contact details for your local authority.

Healthcare

Care Quality Commission

Contact them about matters relating to the provision of health and social care.

CQC National Customer Service Centre
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA

Tel: 03000 616161
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
Website: www.cqc.org.uk

Healthwatch England[footnote 1]

Contact them to provide feedback on Health and Social Care issues.

Healthwatch England
2 Redman Place,
London
E20 1JQ

Email: enquiries@healthwatch.co.uk
Tel: 03000 683 000 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm)
Website: www.healthwatch.co.uk

National Guardian’s Office

Contact them about matters concerning the freedom to speak up arrangements and cultures in the NHS in England, including where cases of issues raised by workers may not have been handled in accordance with good practice.

National Guardian’s Office
2 Redman Place,
London
E20 1JQ

Tel: 0191 249 4400 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm)
Email: enquiries@nationalguardianoffice.org.uk
Website: www.nationalguardian.org.uk

General Chiropractic Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the General Chiropractic Council.

General Chiropractic Council
Park House
186 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BT

Tel: 020 7713 5155
Fax: 020 7713 5844
Email: whistleblowing@gcc-uk.org
Online complaint form: www.gcc-uk.org/concerns/online-complaint-form/

General Dental Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the General Dental Council or any other activities not covered in relation to which the Council has functions.

Legal and Governance
General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street
London W1G 8DQ

Tel: 020 7167 6000
Email: ILASenquiries@gdc-uk.org
Online enquiry/complaint form: contactus.gdc-uk.org/
Website: www.gdc-uk.org

General Medical Council

Contact them about matters relating to:

  1. the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the General Medical Council
  2. any activities not covered by (1) in relation to which the Council has functions

General Medical Council
Fitness to Practise Directorate
3 Hardman Street
Manchester
M3 3AW

Tel: 0161 923 6399
Online complaints form: www.gmc-uk.org

General Optical Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the General Optical Council, or any other activities in relation to which the Council has functions.

Fitness to Practise Directorate
General Optical Council
10 Old Bailey
London
EC4M 7NG

Tel: 020 7580 3898
Email: concerns@optical.org
Website: www.optical.org/en/Investigating_complaints/raising-concerns.cfm

General Osteopathic Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the General Osteopathic Council.

Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LU

Tel: 020 7357 6655
Fax: 020 7357 0011
Email: regulation@osteopathy.org.uk

General Pharmaceutical Council

Contact them about matters relating to:

  • the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the council
  • regulated activities at or from pharmacy premises registered by the council
  • any other activities in relation to which the council has functions

Concerns
General Pharmaceutical Council
25 Canada Square
London
E14 5LQ

Tel: 020 3713 8000
Email: concerns@pharmacyregulation.org
Website: www.pharmacyregulation.org/raising-concerns

Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Contact them about matters relating to the safety or quality of health care in Scotland.

Senior Reviewer (Responding to Concerns)
Quality Assurance Directorate
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB

Tel: 0131 623 4300
Email: his.respondingtoconcerns@nhs.scot
Website: www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org

Health and Care Professions Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration and fitness to practise of a member of a profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council, or any other activities in relation to which the Council has functions.

Health and Care Professions Council
Park House
184-186 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 8BU

Tel: 0845 300 6184
Website: www.hcpc-uk.org

NHS Counter Fraud Authority

Contact them about matters relating to fraud, bribery, corruption or other unlawful activity in relation to the health service in England and Wales.

NHS Counter Fraud Authority
Skipton House
80 London Road
London,
SE1 6LH

Website: https://cfa.nhs.uk/

NHS England

Contact them about:

  • the regulation and performance of English NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts
  • matters relating to the delivery of primary medical, dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services in England
  • matters relating to the licensing and oversight of providers of NHS health care services
  • matters relating to NHS England’s education and training functions

NHS England
Wellington House
133-155 Waterloo Road
London
SE1 8UG

Tel: 0300 311 22 33
Email england.speakup1@nhs.net
Website: www.england.nhs.uk/

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration and fitness to practise of a registered nurse or midwife in the UK and a nursing associate in England and any other activities in relation to which the Council has functions.

Nursing and Midwifery Council
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ

Tel: 020 7637 7181
Email: whistleblowing@nmc-uk.org
Website: www.nmc.org.uk/standards/guidance/raising-concerns-guidance-for-nurses-and-midwives/whistleblowing/

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

(in their role as the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer, NHSS)

Contact them about:

  • whistleblowing disclosures and how they are handled in the NHS in Scotland

Independent National Whistleblowing Officer
Bridgeside House
99 McDonald Road
Edinburgh
EH7 4NS

Tel: 0800 008 6112
Email: INWO@spso.gov.scot
Website: inwo.spso.org.uk/contact-us

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care[footnote 3]

Contact them about matters relating to the provision of public health services.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency
Public Information Access Office
Wellington House
133-135 Waterloo Road
London
SE1 8UG

Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries Unit
Department of Health and Social Care
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU

Website: www.gov.uk/dh

Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

Contact them about:

  • the regulation of medicines (for human use), medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
10 South Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 4PU

Tel: 020 3080 6447
Email: whistleblower@mhra.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mhra

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) is the independent inspectorate and regulator of health care services in Wales. Contact them with any concerns about matters relating to:

  • the provision of health care by and for Welsh NHS bodies as defined under the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003
  • services regulated under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 by establishments and agencies for which the Welsh Ministers are the registration authority
  • private dental practices prescribed in regulation 3 of the Care Standards Act 2000
  • the use and application of the Mental Health Act 1983

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales
Welsh Government
Rhydycar Business Park
Merthyr Tydfil
CF48 1UZ

Tel: 0300 062 8163
Fax: 0300 062 8387
Email: hiw@gov.wales
Website: www.hiw.org.uk

Housing

Registers of Scotland

Contact them about matters relating to the registration of land or property in Scotland.

Accountable Officer
Registers of Scotland
Meadowbank House
153 London Road
Edinburgh
EH7 8AU

Tel: 0131 659 6111
Email: rossecretariat@ros.gov.uk

Regulator of Social Housing

Contact them about matters relating to the regulation of registered providers of social housing in accordance with Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

Regulator of Social Housing
Referrals and Regulatory Enquiries team
Level 2, 7 & 8 WELLINGTON PLACE
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 4AP

Tel: 0300 124 5225
Email: enquiries@rsh.gov.uk
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/regulator-of-social-housing

Scottish Housing Regulator

Contact them about social landlords’ performance of housing activities; the registration of registered social landlords, their financial well-being and standards of governance.

Scottish Housing Regulator
Buchanan House
58 Port Dundas Road
Glasgow
G4 0HF

Email: shr@shr.gov.scot
Website: www.housingregulator.gov.scot

Welsh ministers

Contact them about the regulation of registered social landlords in Wales.

Housing Regulation Team
Rhydycar Business Park
Rhydycar
Merthyr Tydfil
CF48 1UZ

Tel: 0300 062 8300
Email: HousingRegulation@gov.wales
Website: www.gov.wales/housing

Local authorities

England

Following the Audit Commission’s closure on 31 March 2015, disclosures relating to local authorities can be made to the external auditor of the relevant authority or the Comptroller and Auditor General.

To make a disclosure to the authority’s external auditor, please contact the local authority, who will have a record of who to contact. You can also ask Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA), the company now responsible for appointing auditors to local government, police and local NHS bodies for the name of the auditor of the relevant local authority.

It should be noted that PSAA is not a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act and their role in this is only to signpost individuals to the external auditor appointed to the local authority in question. To make a disclosure to the Comptroller and Auditor General, please contact the National Audit Office (see Comptroller and Auditor General below).

The Comptroller and Auditor General

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business, value for money, fraud and corruption in relation to the provision of public services.

The Comptroller and Auditor General
National Audit Office
157-197 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SP

Tel: 020 7798 7999
Website: www.nao.org.uk/contact-us/whistleblowing-disclosures/

Scotland

For matters relating to local authorities in Scotland, please contact the Accounts Commission for Scotland.

Accounts Commission for Scotland

The Secretary to the Accounts Commission
Accounts Commission for Scotland
102 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN

Tel: 0131 625 1500
Email: <correspondence@audit-scotland,gov.uk>
Website: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk

Wales

With regard to local authorities in Wales, please contact the Auditor General for Wales.

The Auditor General for Wales

Contact them about the proper conduct of public business; value for money, fraud and corruption in public bodies in Wales.

PIDA Officer
The Auditor General for Wales
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LJ

Tel: 029 20 320 522
Email: whistleblowing@audit.wales
Website: www.audit.wales/whistleblowing

Commissioners nominated under section 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1999

Contact them about matters relating to the exercise of specified functions of a best value authority as directed by the Secretary of State in relation only to the local authority they are intervening in.

Pensions

The Pensions Regulator

Contact them about matters relating to:

  • an employer not paying or missing pension contributions to a pension scheme
  • an employer not complying with their pension duties
  • other concerns about a pension scheme, such as how the scheme is being run

Customer Support
The Pensions Regulator
Telecom House
125-135 Preston Road
Brighton
BN1 6AF

Tel: 0345 600 7060
Email: report@tpr.gov.uk
Website: www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/contact-us/scheme-members-who-to-contact/report-concerns-about-your-workplace-pension 

Police and justice

Chief Executive of the Criminal Cases Review Commission

Contact them about actual or potential miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Criminal Cases Review Commission
23, Stephenson Street
Birmingham
B2 4BH

Tel: 0121 233 1473
Email: DPO@ccrc.gov.uk
Website: ccrc.gov.uk

The Chief Executive of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission

Contact them about actual or potential miscarriages of justice in Scotland.

Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
4th Floor, Portland House
17 Renfield Street
Glasgow
G2 5AH

Tel: 0141 270 7030
Fax: 0141 270 7040
Email: info@sccrc.org.uk
Website: www.sccrc.org.uk

The Director of the Serious Fraud Office

Contact them about matters relating to corrupt individuals or companies offering or receiving bribes to secure a benefit for themselves or others.

The Director of the Serious Fraud Office
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5BS

Tel: 020 7239 7272
Website: https://www.sfo.gov.uk/publications/information-victims-witnesses-whistleblowers/
Online form: www.sfo.gov.uk/contact-us/reporting-serious-fraud-bribery-corruption/

Elected Local Policing Bodies

To complain about the conduct of the chief officer of your police force, please contact the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of your area: www.apccs.police.uk/find-your-pcc/

Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

Contact them about matters relating to the conduct of a person serving with:

  • the police (including contractors)
  • the National Crime Agency
  • Commissioners and officers of HM Revenue and Customs
  • the parts of the Home Office that exercise law enforcement powers in relation to border and immigration functions
  • police and crime commissioners (including the Mayor for Greater Manchester) and deputy PCCs
  • the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
  • the Gangmasters and Labour - Abuse Authority (persons acting as Labour Abuse Prevention Officers)
  • British Transport Police
  • Ministry of Defence Police
  • Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Independent Office for Police Conduct
PO Box 473
Sale
M33 0BW

Tel: 08458 770 061 / 0300 020 0096
Email: reportline@policeconduct.gov.uk
Website: www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints-and-appeals/make-complaint

National Crime Agency

Contact them about matters relating to:

  • corrupt individuals or companies offering or receiving bribes to secure a benefit for themselves or others
  • compliance with —

    (i) the Terrorism Act 2000;
    (ii) the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; or
    (iii) the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017

National Crime Agency
PO Box 58345
London
NW1W 9JJ

Tel: 0370 496 7622
Email: communication@nca.gov.uk

Police and Crime Panels

To complain about your Police & Crime Commissioner, contact your local police and crime panel – your local council will provide contact details.

If you think your PCC has broken the law, the panel will refer your case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). You can also contact the IOPC directly:

Website: www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints-and-appeals/make-complaint
Email: reportline@policeconduct.gov.uk
Tel: 0300 020 0096

Social care

Care Inspectorate (Social Care & Social Work Improvement Scotland)

Contact them about matters relating to the provision of care services in Scotland.

Care Inspectorate
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY

Tel: 0345 600 9527
Email: enquiries@careinspectorate.com

Care Quality Commission

Contact them about the provision of adult social care services in England.

CQC National Customer Service Centre
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA

Tel: 0300 061 6161
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
Website: www.cqc.org.uk

Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Contact them about matters relating to the safety or quality of health care in Scotland.

Senior Reviewer (Responding to Concerns)
Quality Assurance Directorate
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB

Tel: 0131 623 4300
Email: his.respondingtoconcerns@nhs.scot
Website: www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (‘the Chief Inspector’)

Contact them about matters relating to regulation and inspection of children’s social care.

Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate
Store Street
Manchester
M1 2WD

Tel: 0300 123 3155
Email: whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk

Scottish Social Services Council

Contact them about matters relating to the registration of the social services workforce in Scotland.

Scottish Social Services Council
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY

Tel: 0345 60 30 891
Email: ftp@sssc.uk.com
Website: www.sssc.uk.com

Social Care Wales

Contact them about matters relating to the registration of social care workers in Wales.

Social Care Wales
South Gate House
Wood Street
Cardiff
CF10 1EW

Tel: 0300 303 3444
Email: ftp@socialcare.wales
Website: www.socialcare.wales

Social Work England

Contact them about:

  • the registration of social workers in England
  • the fitness to practise of social workers in England
  • any other activities related to Social Work England’s functions, including whether social work courses and qualifications meet their education and training standards

Social Work England
1 North Bank
Blonk Street
Sheffield
S3 8JY

Tel: 0808 196 2274
Email: enquiries@socialworkengland.org.uk
Website: www.socialworkengland.org.uk

Welsh ministers

Contact them about matters relating to the provision of social care services and to the inspection of Welsh local authority social services.

Care Inspectorate Wales
Welsh Government Office
Sarn Mynach
Llandudno Junction
LL31 9RZ

Tel: 0300 7900 126
Email: ciw@gov.wales
Website: careinspectorate.wales

Tax

Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Contact them about:

  • the administration of UK taxes
  • the administration of national insurance and tax credits systems
  • customs and border-related functions
  • criminal investigations

HMRC Fraud Hotline
Cardiff
CF14 5ZN

Tel: 0800 788 887
Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-tax-evasion

Revenue Scotland

Contact them about the administration of the devolved taxes in Scotland, (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, and Scottish Landfill Tax).

Revenue Scotland
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Email: info@revenue.scot
Website: www.revenue.scot

The Welsh Revenue Authority

Contact them about matters relating to devolved taxes (Land Transaction Tax and Landfill Disposal Tax).

Welsh Revenue Authority
PO Box 110
Pontypridd
CF37 9EH

Trade unions

The Certification Officer

Contact them about fraud and other irregularities, relating to the financial affairs of trade unions and employers’ associations.

Certification Office
8th Floor
Windsor House
50 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0TL
United Kingdom

Tel: 0330 109 3602
Email: info@certoffice.org
Website: www.gov.uk/certificationofficer

Transport

Civil Aviation Authority

Contact them about compliance with the requirements of civil aviation legislation, including aviation safety and aviation security.

Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex
RH6 0YR

Tel: 0330 138 2847
Website: www.caa.co.uk

Office of Rail and Road

Contact them about:

  • the provision and supply of railway services
  • any other activities in relation to the Office of Rail and Road functions

Office of Rail and Road
25 Cabot Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 4QZ

Tel: 020 7282 2175
Email: boardsecretariat@orr.gov.uk
Website: www.orr.gov.uk

The Secretary of State for Transport

Contact them about matters relating to:

  • compliance with the requirements of merchant shipping law, including maritime safety
  • motoring services with respect to driver and vehicle standards, and the testing and certification of vehicles, their systems and components
  • road, rail and maritime transport security

Permanent Secretary
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR

Tel: 0300 330 3000

Utilities

Drinking Water Inspectorate

Contact them about:

  • the quality and sufficiency of water supplied by the water industry
  • the security of network and information systems within the drinking water supply and distribution sector

Email: dwi.enquiries@defra.gov.uk
Tel: 0330 041 6501

The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (known as Ofgem)

Contact them about:

  • the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity
  • the transportation, shipping and supply of gas through pipes
  • smart meter communication service and ancillary activities
  • the renewable generation of heat
  • any other activities in relation to Ofgem’s functions

Whistleblowing Desk
Consumer Affairs
10 South Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 4PU

Tel: 020 7901 7121
Email: whistle@ofgem.gov.uk
Website: www.ofgem.gov.uk

Water Services Regulation Authority (known as Ofwat)

Contact them about the supply of water and the provision of sewerage services.

Ofwat
Centre City Tower
7 Hill Street
Birmingham
B5 4UA

Tel: 0121 644 7725
Email: mailbox@ofwat.gov.uk
Website: www.ofwat.gov.uk

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland

Contact them about the supply of water and the provision of sewerage services in Scotland.

Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland
First Floor Moray House
Forthside Way
Stirling
FK8 1QZ

Tel: 01786 430200
Email: enquiries@watercommission.co.uk
Website: www.watercommission.co.uk

  1. Healthwatch England (HWE) is part of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). While CQC is the Prescribed Person, arrangements are in place to allow workers to also make disclosures directly to HWE if they wish. 

  2. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is the prescribed person for public health matters. The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) discharges some of the public health responsibility on behalf of the Secretary of State. Arrangements are in place to allow disclosures to be made directly to the UKHSA and MHRA as well as to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. See above for contact details.