Information for victims and witnesses
Important guidance and support available for victims and witnesses of serious fraud, bribery and corruption.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigates and prosecutes the most complex crimes involving serious fraud, bribery and corruption. We understand that being a victim or a witness in an SFO investigation and trial can be daunting, however we will support you through that process and treat you with kindness and dignity. Our cases can take a long time to investigate, and we rely on the support and evidence of the victims and witnesses involved to help us bring offenders to justice.
Victim and Witness Care at the SFO
We have a dedicated Victim and Witness Care Team. Our role is to ensure that all victims and witnesses involved in an SFO investigation are supported and any additional needs of the individual considered. If you would like to contact us, please email witness.care@sfo.gov.uk.
Victim and Witness Care Legislation
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (the Code) sets out 12 rights governing the level of service a victim of crime should expect to receive from criminal justice organisations. The SFO is a named service provider in the Code, and we are bound to deliver those rights of service to victim investors in our cases.
A full copy of The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime can be found here: The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales and supporting public information materials - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Victim Personal Statement
Right 7 of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime allows all victims in cases being investigated and prosecuted by the SFO the right to make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) if they wish too. A VPS gives you the opportunity to explain in your own words how the crime has affected you physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way. It gives you a voice in the criminal justice process and it can play a key part in sentencing at court.
For more information on making a Victim Personal Statement, see our guide Making a Victim Personal Statement (LINK TO PAGE ON VPS), or visit Victim Personal Statement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Victims Right to Review
Right 6 of the Code allows for victims the right to ask the SFO to review a decision to end a formal investigation or prosecution in its entirety. We will contact you directly if you are eligible to request a Victims Right to Review.
For more information see Victims Right to Review (LINK to PAGE ON VRR)
The Witness Charter
The Witness Charter contains 21 standards of service a witness should receive at different times in the criminal justice process. The SFO is committed to delivering those standards to witnesses who support our investigations and prosecutions.
A full copy of the Witness Charter can be found here: The Witness Charter: standards of care for witnesses in the criminal justice system - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Support Information for Victims and Witnesses
If you would like to be referred to your local victim support service, provided by your Police and Crime Commissioner, please contact the Victim and Witness Care Team on witness.care@sfo.gov.uk
Organisations offering emotional support and practical help
Victim and Witness Information
Information on accessing victim and witness support services in your area. www.victimandwitnessinformation.org.uk
Victim Support
Specialist trained staff and volunteers provide emotional and practical support that is tailored to your needs. All support is free, confidential and will continue for as long as you need.
www.victimsupport.org.uk Free phone supportline: 0808 16 89 111
Samaritans
Samaritans provides emotional support for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed - you don’t have to be suicidal. Whatever you’re going through, you can call in confidence for FREE any time from any phone
www.samaritans.ork Freephone: 116 123 jo@samaritans.org
Citizens Advice Witness Service
Citizens Advice operate the Witness Service in all Crown and Magistrates’ Courts in England and Wales. They provide free and confidential help to victims and witnesses of crime.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/browse/the-citizens-advice-witness-service/ Phone 0300 332 1000
Age UK
Provides you with advice and information on a range of relevant topics including your money concerns, health and wellbeing, and care. Website also has useful information on how you can spot scams and fraud.
www.ageuk.org.uk Advice line 0800 055 6112
The Silver Line – Age UK
The Silver Line Helpline run by Age UK is a free, confidential telephone service for older people.
www.thesilverline.org.uk/ Freephone 0800 4 70 80 90
Organisations offering information and advice on finances
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper is government backed to offer free, clear, and impartial personal guidance for all of your money and pension choices. They can talk you through some of the things you might want to think about, and possible implications of the decisions you make.
www.moneyhelper.org.uk Pensions helpline 0800 011 3739 From overseas +44 20 7932 5780 Self-employed helpline 0345 602 7021
Financial Service Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
FSCS protect consumers when authorised financial services firms fail. They can pay compensation to consumers if a financial services firm is unable to pay claims against it. They are an independent body and do not charge individual consumers for using the service.
www.fscs.org.uk Freephone 0800 678 1100 or From overseas +44 20 7741 4100
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The FCA is the conduct regulator for financial service firms and financial markets in the UK. Consumers can find out about their rights with banking, insurance, mortgages and financial advice. Also how to complain and avoid scams.
National Debtline
National Debtline provides free advice and resources to help people deal with their debts. Their service is available over the phone, through their website and via Webchat.
www.nationaldebtline.org Freephone 0808 808 4000
Citizens Advice - Debt and Money
Provides you with free, independent, confidential and impartial advice, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape.
Debt and money - Citizens Advice Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848 Advicelink (Wales): 0800 702 2020
Further information on reporting and keeping safe
Action Fraud
UK national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre
www.actionfraud.police.uk Phone 0300 123 2040
Get safe online
Get Safe Online provide unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety.
Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
TPS is the UK’s only official @Do not call’ register for landline and mobile numbers. It allows people and business to opt out of unsolicited live sales and marketing calls.
www.tpsonline.org.uk TPS Registration line 0345 070 0707
Mailing Preference Service (MPS)
The MPS is a free service enabling consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from direct mail lists used by the industry.
www.mpsonline.org.uk Phone 0207 291 3310