Whistleblowing disclosures

Request data on whistleblowing reports received, categories, and outcomes.

Whistleblowing allows staff to raise concerns about wrongdoing, risk, or malpractice. The numbers can reveal whether the process is working and whether concerns are being acted on.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of whistleblowing disclosures received. 2. A breakdown by category of concern (e.g. fraud, health and safety, malpractice, patient safety, environmental harm). 3. The number of disclosures that led to an investigation. 4. The number of investigations that resulted in action being taken. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Any Scottish public authority: council, health board, or government agency. Find the right authority on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • A very low number of disclosures may mean the organisation is healthy, or it may mean staff do not feel safe raising concerns. Look at the number in the context of the organisation’s size and sector.
  • NHS boards in Scotland are required to have whistleblowing standards set by the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer (INWO). Check the INWO’s website for published reports before submitting your request.
  • You are asking for aggregate numbers, not details that could identify individual whistleblowers. Make this clear if the authority raises concerns about confidentiality.