Guidance

DfE investigation publishing policy

Updated 29 April 2025

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/efa-investigation-publishing-policy/efa-investigation-publishing-policy

1. Introduction

This policy sets out the Department for Education’s (DfE) approach to publishing investigation outcomes where there has been fraud, irregularity or error.  

DfE publishes the outcomes of its investigations to provide transparency over how public money is spent, and to support the education sector to learn lessons and take preventative action to ensure public money is used as Parliament intends.

2. Scope

DfE has responsibility, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, for administering funding to deliver education and skills to learners. The education providers that fall within the scope of this policy are:

  • academy trusts
  • colleges
  • independent training providers
  • high needs institutions
  • higher education institutions

3. Timing and considerations ahead of publication

DfE has made a commitment to the Public Accounts Committee to publish investigation outcomes relating to academy trusts and it aims to do so within two months of completing its work. DfE is also committed to reporting investigation outcomes relating to other education providers and will aim to do so within the same timeframe.  

There are instances when DfE may be unable to publish within this timeframe. These include but are not limited to: 

  • when publication could prejudice law enforcement or other regulatory investigations or proceedings
  • where publication could prejudice an education provider’s internal investigations or future disciplinary action

In implementing this policy, the DfE will also have regard to GDPR and other legislative and commercial considerations.

4. Representations

DfE will give education providers and individuals identified in the reported outcomes the opportunity to review a draft prior to publication. They will be invited to submit representations on factual accuracy.

DfE will give education providers and individuals a minimum notice of 10 working days for representations. DfE will determine whether the publication needs to be amended in light of comments on factual accuracy.

DfE publishes Notices to Improve, including those that may be issued in response to a DfE investigation as set out in the Academy trust handbook and College financial handbook. They are published in the following locations:

6. Policy implementation

This policy will be effective from 12 December 2023 for all trust investigations. It will also be effective for all new investigations relating to colleges, independent training providers, high needs institutions and higher education institutions where the investigation started on or after 12 December 2023.

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