GOC publishes 2025 joint whistleblowing disclosures report
The General Optical Council (GOC) has joined nine other health and social care regulators to publish an annual report on whistleblowing disclosures.
Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were a total of 32 whistleblowing disclosures raised to the GOC.
All 32 disclosures that we received in 2024-25 were placed into our FTP system for formal assessment. Of these 32 disclosures, 10 cases were closed with no further action being taken. Our decisions are outlined below:
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Seven cases were closed as either consent was not given by the referrer for us to progress further and/ or identify the registrant, and we were not provided with sufficient information to identify the referrer to obtain relevant evidence;
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Three cases did not meet our acceptance criteria for onward referral;
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12 cases were referred for consideration to another body;
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One case was referred to our illegal practice team to take forward;
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One case is currently under review; and
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Eight investigations are currently opened and ongoing.
What have we learned?
There was a 10 percent increase in the number of disclosures received during 2024-2025. However, we have opened fewer cases for investigation this year compared to last year and have seen a rise in making onward referrals to other bodies.
There have been some difficulties with complainants withdrawing or not providing sufficient evidence or consent for fear of reprisal. Although it is sometimes possible to find ways to continue with an investigation, this is far less effective than having the cooperation of the discloser. However, despite evidential difficulties, we were able to open eight investigations and take them forward with limited information. We have taken proactive steps to share the Speaking Up guidance where this had been raised, along with access to our Governance team.
We also publish the FtP Focus bulletin where we share anonymous case studies to provide learnings and best practice tips to registrants to ensure that they comply with the Standards of Practice.
The Whistleblowing disclosures report 2025 is published jointly by the GOC, General Medical Council, General Chiropractic Council, General Dental Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, Health and Care Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Social Work England.
