Report a concern about an attorney, deputy or guardian

You can report a concern if you’re worried about the behaviour of an attorney, deputy or guardian. These are people chosen to manage someone else’s money, property or decisions.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Report a concern if the person lives in Scotland or lives in Northern Ireland.

When to report a concern

Report a concern if you think an attorney, deputy or guardian is:

  • not acting in the person’s best interests
  • using money or property in the wrong way
  • not doing their job properly
  • abusing their position
  • not following the legal rules of their role

You do not need proof to report a concern.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) can only investigate in certain cases. This is when the person who is having decisions made for them does not have the mental capacity to deal with the issue themselves.

Who can report a concern

Anyone can report a concern, including:

  • the person being supported
  • family members or friends
  • professionals, such as care workers or bank staff
  • members of the public

You can report a concern even if it does not affect you directly.

The OPG will not tell the attorney, deputy or guardian where the report has come from.

If you’re reporting on behalf of a public authority, do your own safeguarding checks first.

Information you’ll be asked for

When you report a concern, you will be asked to give:

  • information about the person who is having decisions made for them
  • information about the attorney, deputy or guardian
  • your name and contact details
  • what has happened
  • dates, amounts of money or examples, if you have them

You can still report a concern if you do not have all of this information.

Report a concern online

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You’ll be asked questions about the person having decisions made for them. They are known as the ‘donor’ or ‘P’.

Other ways you can report a concern

If you cannot use the online service, you can report a concern by:

  • filling in a form and sending it by email or post
  • calling the OPG
  • sending an email
  • sending a letter

Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
opg.safeguardingunit@publicguardian.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 0300
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 0300 123 1300
From outside the UK: +44 (0)203 518 9639
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Wednesday, 10am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH

What happens after you report a concern

The OPG will decide if they are allowed by law to investigate.

They might:

  • contact you for more information
  • contact the attorney, deputy or guardian
  • decide no more action is needed

The OPG might take legal action or apply to the Court of Protection.

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