GMC publishes annual whistleblowing data
The General Medical Council (GMC) has published its annual data on whistleblowing disclosures.
In the 12 months up to the end of the March this year, 52 whistleblowing concerns were raised with the regulator. Of those, 19 were made by doctors, 15 by other healthcare professionals and 18 were anonymous.
The complaints covered a range of allegations, including staffing structures, professional misconduct and individual dishonesty.
The figure is an increase on 2025, when there were 45 referrals, but down on the year before when there were 60.
Anna Rowland, the GMC’s Assistant Director for Fitness to Practise Policy and Business Transformation, said:
‘We take all whistleblowing referrals seriously and will always take action when it is required. Raising concerns when patient safety is at risk is a duty for all healthcare professionals, and we are committed to supporting those who do so. We have a confidential helpline, staffed by trained advisors, and we provide training and guidance on raising and acting on concerns.’
The majority of the year’s whistleblowing concerns, 47 of the 52, were reviewed by the regulator’s fitness to practise team. Of those, 45 were closed after an initial assessment but two are ongoing, one as a preliminary investigation and one as a full investigation.
Of those closed after an initial assessment or investigation, reasons for closure included that the concern was handled locally, no concern was found from the information provided, or it was outside the GMC’s remit.
The remaining five complaints were received by the GMC’s registration and revalidation team. Four of those were subsequently closed, and one was forwarded to another regulator.
The GMC’s Speaking up ethical hub provides information and advice on raising concerns and whistleblowing, in line with the regulator’s whistleblowing policy. The GMC’s confidential helpline is available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 0161 923 6399.
The Whistleblowing disclosures report 2026 is published jointly by the GMC with the General Chiropractic Council, General Dental Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, Health and Care Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Social Work England.
