Governance failures top whistleblowing concerns as reports double in two years
Stuart McKay · Posted on: October 14th 2025 · read
New data from the Charity Commission has revealed a sharp rise in whistleblowing about governance failures, with reported cases doubling in two years.
In 2024-25, the regulator received 303 reports of governance failures, up from 152 in the previous year and continuing a long-term upward trend. Governance issues have remained the most commonly reported area of concern for over a decade, ahead of financial harm and safeguarding.
Trends and sector breakdown
While governance failures surged, reports of financial harms fell from 128 to 96 and safeguarding issues declined from 104 to 84. The Commission noted that governance and safeguarding are often interlinked - weak governance frequently underpins safeguarding lapses, especially when the welfare of beneficiaries is at risk.
Charities working in the education and training sector accounted for the largest share of reports (267), followed by those with general charitable purposes (167) and those focused on health and saving lives.
Regulatory response and enforcement
The Commission opened 363 cases out of 546 reports received. Following enquiries, 210 cases were closed without further action, while regulatory advice and guidance were issued in 84 cases. The regulator emphasised that its focus remains on concerns posing the greatest risk to public trust and confidence.
The whistleblowing charity Protect, which partners with the Commission, confirmed similar patterns: nearly a quarter of its calls in 2024-25 came from charity workers, with 29% linked to governance or staff conduct issues, including bullying and toxic workplace culture.
Calls for stronger trustee support
Sector leaders have expressed concern over the growing number of governance-related reports. Liz Lowther, Chief Executive of the Association of Chairs, said the findings demonstrate “the growing need for better support for trustees and chairs”.
Strong governance remains critical for effective leadership and public confidence. Boards are encouraged to review their governance frameworks, whistleblowing policies, and trustee training programmes, ensuring that concerns are handled swiftly and transparently.
The rise in governance-related whistleblowing highlights the importance of maintaining an open culture, robust internal reporting routes, and well-supported trusteeship.
"Preventing governance failures before they reach the regulator is not only good practice - it’s fundamental to preserving public trust."
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