Whistleblowing, Accountability, and the Need for Change: A Reflection on the FCA Case

The recent conversation between Marcello Hamel and Mike Conway of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) — now publicly available — is deeply troubling. It highlights systemic failings within one of the UK’s most powerful regulatory bodies: delays, breaches of due process, disregard for grievance procedures, and attempts to manage disputes through minimal compensation rather than genuine accountability.

Marcello’s case echoes a growing pattern: regulatory bodies failing the very people they are meant to protect — not just consumers, but their own staff — when legitimate concerns are raised. His experience of delay, mishandling, and minimisation, coupled with an apparent attempt to silence matters through a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), deserves urgent public scrutiny.

It is crucial to remember:

• Whistleblowing is not a crime.
• Seeking fair treatment is not a threat.
• Speaking truth to power is an act of public service.

The Eris/Shelly documents, now available in Marcello’s evidence folder, provide vital context to why this situation unfolded. They expose a culture that too often prioritises the protection of reputation over the delivery of justice.

The FCA must be held to the highest standards — not least because it demands them of the organisations it supervises.

This is why we advocate for transparency, reform, and robust protections for whistleblowers.
Individuals like Marcello show remarkable courage. It is essential that the wider public, media, Parliament, and civil society step up to support them — not leave them isolated against entrenched, well-funded institutions.

The Academy of Life Planning and its wider community stands firmly behind all those who speak out against injustice. We call for:

• A full, independent investigation into how the FCA handles internal grievances and whistleblowing cases.
• An end to the misuse of NDAs to cover up potential wrongdoing.
• Genuine accountability where public bodies fail to meet their own procedural standards.

If you have been affected, you are not alone.
We encourage you to document your experience, seek trusted support, and — where safe — contribute your story to the growing body of evidence calling for reform.

Together, we can create the change our system so desperately needs.

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Access The “FCA Whistleblowing” Folder

The “FCA Whistleblowing” folder contains a collection of documents and images relating to concerns about the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) handling of whistleblowing cases, internal processes, and employee treatment. Here are some key themes that emerge from the folder:

• Criticism of FCA Whistleblowing Procedures: Many documents express dissatisfaction with the FCA’s handling of whistleblowing reports, suggesting that the regulator is not adequately supporting whistleblowers and may even be tampering with evidence or covering up failures. Some files mention surveys where respondents reported dissatisfaction with the FCA’s handling of their reports and suggest a reluctance to make future whistleblowing reports to the FCA.
• Allegations of Misconduct and Cover-ups: The folder contains claims of the FCA twisting facts, fabricating narratives, and using regulatory authority to retaliate against those who expose their failures. There are mentions of the FCA appealing and re-appealing to avoid facing the reality of their failures and the reputational damage they’ve caused. Some files also suggest that the FCA covers up mistakes using various tactics.
• Concerns about Internal Culture and Employee Treatment: There are numerous complaints about the FCA’s internal culture, with reports of a toxic work environment, lack of trust in senior management, and instances of favouritism and discrimination. Some documents include employee reviews describing feelings of anxiety, high workloads, and poor management. There are also allegations of HR misconduct, including orchestrating health misinformation and using fake diagnoses or reports to control or silence employees.

Questions & Answers:

Q: What is the folder “FCA Whistleblowing” about?

A: The “FCA Whistleblowing” folder contains a variety of documents and media related to whistleblowing at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. It includes information about the FCA’s handling of whistleblowing reports, criticisms and concerns about their processes, personal experiences, and potential issues within the organisation. The content suggests a focus on perceived failures of the FCA, issues with their internal culture, and the impact of these issues on individuals who attempt to raise concerns.

Q: What are some key concerns raised about the FCA in these files?

A: Several key concerns are raised about the FCA in the provided files. There are accusations of the FCA not adequately addressing or handling whistleblowing reports, and dissatisfaction among whistleblowers regarding their experiences. Some documents suggest the FCA may attempt to cover up mistakes, avoid responsibility, and engage in tactics that negatively affect those who speak out. There are also allegations of evidence tampering, data fabrication, and misuse of occupational health practices to control or silence individuals. Additionally, broader issues such as toxic work culture, discrimination, lack of career progression, and ineffective HR practices within the FCA are highlighted. Concerns about the judicial system and the potential for long-term victimisation by the FCA are also noted.

Q: What specific actions or inactions of the FCA are criticized?

A: Specific criticisms include the FCA’s handling of sexual harassment claims, their approach to internal investigations, and changes made to occupational health providers immediately after referrals. The FCA is accused of delaying processes, manipulating information, and using tactics to control or manage risks and potential reputational damage. There are also allegations of the FCA’s resistance to answering specific questions, particularly those related to occupational health referrals, demographics of individuals affected by disciplinary actions, and issues of diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the FCA’s handling of pay and grading consultations, as well as changes to staff terms and conditions, are criticised. The documents imply a pattern of the FCA prioritising organisational protection over addressing genuine concerns and protecting whistleblowers.

Request Access to the folder here: The FCA Whistleblowing Folder.

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