HMCPSI report reviews

Case Progression – 4 May 2023

A report by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has been published into the SFO’s case progression. This report follows up on progress against its 2019 inspection. It can be accessed here.

Victim and Witness Care in the Serious Fraud Office – 27 January 2022

In this inspection, the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) focused on a number of the rights described in the code of practice to assess whether the Serious Fraud Office has policies in place to support its obligations. It can be accessed here.

Proceeds of Crime Division – 22 July 2021

The HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) reviewed effectiveness of domestic restraint and confiscation casework in the CPS Proceeds of Crime Division and the SFO Proceeds of Crime and International Assistance Division. It can be accessed here.

Lisa Osofsky, Director of the SFO, said:

“Our mission at the Serious Fraud Office is to fight complex financial crime, deliver justice for victims and protect the UK’s reputation as a safe place to do business. We achieve this by prosecuting criminals but also making sure there is no safe haven for their illicit gains, in the UK or abroad. This work starts at the beginning of each criminal investigation.

“I am pleased that the inspectors have highlighted the skill and dedication of our team, and we will work with partners at the CPS to take their helpful suggestions into consideration.”

Handling of complaints – 25 February 2021

The HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) review of handling of complaints at the SFO was published on 25 February 2021. It can be accessed here.

Speaking about the HMCPSI review, Director of the Serious Fraud Office Lisa Osofsky said:

“The SFO exists to serve the public by fighting complex financial crime and delivering justice to victims. Our open and accessible complaints procedure is vital to ensuring we consistently deliver this service.

“We thank the inspectors for their time and helpful recommendations on how we can further improve our service to the public. We will carefully consider all the report’s findings, and we will respond formally in due course so that everyone can see the action the SFO will take.”

On 1 June 2021 the SFO formally responded to this review, our response can be found here. 

Director of the SFO Lisa Osofsky said: 

“The SFO exists to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice for victims. Our ultimate aim is to provide the best possible outcomes for the public and our open and accessible complaints procedure is a vital part of this.”

“We are committed to ensuring we consistently provide the best service for victims, which means reflecting and adapting our approach as and where necessary.

“We thank the inspectors again for their time and welcome their helpful recommendations on how to further improve our service to the public. We have carefully considered the report’s findings and will act upon the inspectors’ recommendations.”

Case progression – 8 October 2019

The HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) review of case progression at the SFO was published on 8 October 2019. It can be accessed here.

Speaking about the HMCPSI review, Director of the Serious Fraud Office Lisa Osofsky said:

“The report is clear that, while the SFO is effective at what it does, there are further actions we can take to improve case progression.  This is something I am committed to doing and the observations and recommendations made in the report will help us.

“I would like to thank the inspectors for looking closely at our work, delving into our processes and relaying their observations in a frank way.”

Leadership and management – 22 July 2019

The HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) review of leadership and management at the SFO was published on 22 July 2019. It can be accessed here.

Speaking about the HMCPSI review, Director of the SFO Lisa Osofsky said:

“I am grateful to the Inspectors for the time and care they took to immerse themselves in our organisation and analyse what they found – and also for their continued support as we improve our workplace.   

“This report doesn’t make comfortable reading, but it is necessary to understand where we are as we plan the route to where we want to be.  As the Inspectors acknowledge, a number of initiatives are already underway to address some of the concerns identified. A focussed programme of work is being developed, which will draw on the insights,  ideas and goodwill of colleagues across the business.

“I want everybody who works for the SFO to feel valued, to achieve their personal development goals and to be able to make their best contribution to our mission.”

On 2 June 2020, the SFO formally responded to this review and the recommendations.

Past reports: