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Governance
Aerial View of Geography Campus 2018

FCDO Counter Fraud and Whistleblowing Unit

Staff or anyone involved in FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) funded activities can immediately report all suspicions or allegations of aid diversion, fraud, money laundering, counter-terrorism finance, or safeguarding concerns to the FCDO Counter Fraud and Whistleblowing Unit at:

  • reportingconcerns@FCDO.gov.uk  
  • +44 (0)1355 843747 

Reports can be made anonymously and without fear of recrimination. Anyone working on FCDO funded activities can report the existence of possible illegal, unethical or improper conduct when normal channels of communication may have proved ineffective or inappropriate.  Reports can be made about suspected: 

  • Corruption 
  • Fraud 
  • Aid diversion 
  • Terrorism funding  
  • Money laundering 
  • Safeguarding concerns 

FCDO and other aid-awarding public bodies must work in line with relevant legislation including; International Development Act of 2002, the Fraud Act of 2006 and the Bribery Act of 2010.  

FCDO defines fraud as ‘an intentional act of dishonesty by one or more individuals internal or external to FCDO with the intention of making a gain for themselves or anyone else or inflicting a loss (or risk of loss) on another’. 

FCDO also uses the term ‘aid diversion’ to describe any activity that deliberately prevents aid from reaching its intended recipients. 

When should reporting take place? 

The normal University reporting routes should be considered and used as a first resort. If any issues of concern arise, they should be reported in writing to the University Secretary who will consult with the Fraud Response Group. 

If this route does not prove sufficient then reports can be made to the FCDO Counter Fraud and Whistleblowing Unit. 

Why is there a FCDO Counter Fraud and Whistleblowing Unit? 

FCDO, as custodian of public money, is committed to ensuring the highest standards of conduct in the delivery of their projects and services as well as complying with all relevant UK and overseas legislation. They, therefore, pass that responsibility to their Suppliers and expect those standards to be similarly passed down delivery chains.  

As custodians of public money, FCDO and their Suppliers need to be held to account. Due to increasing scrutiny of the international aid budget, it is important that it is seen to be delivering value for money and abiding by relevant legislation and good ethical practice. The existence of the mailbox allows anyone involved in a contract, down to beneficiary level, to anonymously raise concerns to FCDO.