Dear Department of Health and Social Care,

I am undertaking research on PPE procurement in the public sector during the years 2020-2025. This can relate to fraud, bribery/corruption, conflicts of interest, overpricing / price-gouging, or potentially criminal procurement activity (collectively ‘illegality’).

1. During the period January 2025 - April 2025, how many reports on alleged / suspected illegality into PPE procurement did your organisation/department receive VIA your whistleblowing / speak up channels? It does not matter whether the matters are proved, disproved or spurious.)

2. During the period January 2025 - April 2025, how many reports on alleged / suspected illegality into PPE procurement did your organisation/department receive OUTSIDE the whistleblowing / speak-up channels? (This can include litigation, internal escalations, internally identified routes (e.g. internal audit), information from law enforcement and the police, or from Baringa (the Management Consultancy). It does not matter whether the matters are proved, disproved or spurious.) If you can break down / itemise the channels, that would be helpful.

3. During the period January 2025 - April 2025, did your organisation/department maintain a whistleblowing / speak-up log? This would be of all concerns, not just related to PPE illegality. If so, please provide a copy (redacting any personal data of the reporter or individuals referenced in the log).

I am sensitive to any information that may be legally privileged or relevant to criminal proceedings. I can confirm I have no interest in any proceedings, and I have no wish to prejudice any proceedings. I would be grateful for whatever you can provide, even if it is redacted or caveat (e.g. as estimations). "

Yours faithfully,

Barney Hill

Dear Department of Health and Social Care,

My priority is getting a response with some data, rather than nothing (e.g. because it exceeds the cost/time limit under FoIA 2000). If it assists with managing the request:

1. Were you able to send me the full whistleblowing log mentioned in Q3, then I can likely answer Q1. Alternatively, for Q1, you may wish to check with the Whistleblowing/Speak Up Officer.
2. For Q2, I do not require you to search every mailbox or check with every manager within the organisation/department. I am guided by you if you want to do a more proportionate check - e.g. perhaps with key individuals involved in Finance / Procurement / Legal / Executive Management / Communications.
3. For Q2, it is fine if the answer is caveated with ‘as far as we are aware’. I am not looking for a forensic exercise.

Yours faithfully,

Barney Hill

Dear Department of Health and Social Care,

Thank you for providing the acknowledgment. I noticed that my original request referred to January 2025 - April 2025 whereas it should have been January 2020 to April 2025. Are you able to confirm that you will search from January 2020 please? Apologies for the confusion.

Yours faithfully,

Barney Hill