Inspection type: Serious Fraud Office reports

Today HMCPSI has published a report following an inspection of the SFO’s use of counsel at the pre-charge stage. Our inspection found that SFO has effective systems and processes in place but recommends adopting more rigorous oversight.

This inspection is a follow-up to HMCPSI’s 2019 report on case progression in the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

Effective communication with victims and witnesses is essential to make them feel valued within the criminal justice system, and to build public confidence.

This inspection examined whether the SFO’s complaint handling system delivers a service in line with the guidance for public bodies.

This report is the first stage of looking at how the organisations we inspect have responded during the global COVID-19 pandemic. It looks at the SFO’s response during the period of lockdown from 16 March to 8 May.