Investigation Survey: Have Your Say!

We are reviewing our approach to heads of complaint, and we would welcome your feedback. You can find further information about the changes we are considering and share your feedback by accessing the survey: INWO survey - Heads of complaint. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will be open until Wednesday 15 October.

Statistics 2021-22

The Independent National Whistleblowing Service for the NHS in Scotland launched on the 1 April 2021. The numbers below reflect the enquiries and complaints we have received in our first full year of service. 

  • 113 – the total number of cases received
  • 107 – the total number of cases closed
    • 92 were given advice and information about whistleblowing and other options
    • 9 were assessed for readiness for the INWO
    • 6 were given assistance to access the local process due to challenges with direct access
  • 60% – the percentage of cases closed at advice and initial assessment sent to us too early in the process
  • 31% - the percentage of cases signposted back to the local process because people are not aware of, or had difficulty accessing, the process
  • 29% – the percentage of cases where the person was unwilling to share their identity or that of the health service about which they had concerns
  • 21% - the percentage of our advice cases that related to Human Resource issues alone

More information about our service will be available in our Annual Report 2021-22.

Updated: October 8, 2025