Submitting a Whistleblowing Report:
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Prescribed Persons Order 2014). This means we can receive and assess protected disclosures about compliance with civil aviation legislation.
Anyone can submit a whistleblowing report to the CAA. However, we can only consider reports that raise concerns about matters that could pose a risk to public safety or involve breaches of aviation law. We cannot handle personal employment grievances or general complaints that do not raise public interest concerns.
We treat whistleblowing reports confidentially. We will not disclose a whistleblower’s identity without their consent, unless required by law. Personal data is handled in line with our General Privacy Notice.
How to Submit a Whistleblowing Report:
Online (preferred):
Submit A Whistleblowing Report
By Email:
You can email your report to: whistleblowing@caa.co.uk
By Phone (voicemail only):
If you are unable to submit a report online, you can leave a message on our 24/7 voicemail service: +44 330 138 2305
This is an automated service and we cannot return calls. Please provide as much detail as possible when leaving a message.
Note: Your contact details are often required to gather additional information to assist any potential subsequent investigation, whistleblowing investigations can be hindered without this information. Should you wish to make an anonymous report, provide as much detail as possible.
After You Submit A Report:
Upon receipt of an online whistleblowing report, an acknowledgement email will be provided to the whistleblower. This can only be provided should you submit an email address within your contact details.
If your report requires further investigation, we will only be able to confirm whether the investigation remains ongoing during the investigative stage. At the closure of the investigation, you will receive a confirmation of the closure and any feedback, if available.
We are unable to provide any further update regarding your report should the decision be made to not investigate your report further.
Information for Aviation Industry Employees or Ex Employees
Before reporting to the CAA, you should raise your concerns with the relevant organisation using its internal complaints or whistleblowing procedure.
Doing so does not prevent the CAA from carrying out its regulatory responsibilities or assessing any report it receives.
Protected Disclosures:
To be protected under whistleblowing law, you must reasonably believe the information is in the public interest and shows that one or more of the following has happened, is happening, or is likely to happen:
- a criminal offence (including fraud or other financial wrongdoing);
- a breach of a legal obligation;
- a miscarriage of justice;
- a risk to health or safety;
- damage to the environment; or
- deliberate concealment of any of the above.
Information for Members of the Public
Before submitting a report under this process, read how to report a public safety concern.
Supporting Documents
You may share copies of any evidence or photographs to help support the investigation. These must be shared via our email address – whistleblowing@caa.co.uk.
Statutory Duties:
The CAA will investigate all disclosures in line with our statutory duties, provided sufficient information has been made available to carry out a meaningful investigation.
Protect (Formally Public Concern at Work)
If you're worried about malpractice, wrongdoing, or a safety risk at work and are unsure whether to report it to the CAA, you may find it helpful to seek guidance from the independent whistleblowing charity, Protect. They can advise you on the most appropriate way to raise your concern. For more information, visit Protect's website.