SPCC Independent Participant Support Service
Are you involved in an investigation or review handled by the Service Police Complaints Commissioner (SPCC)? If you are a complainant, respondent, witness, or next of kin in a DSI matter, you may be able to access the SPCC Independent Participant Support Service, known as SIPSS.
The SPCC recognises that investigations and reviews can be stressful, unfamiliar and difficult to navigate. SIPSS is delivered by Victim Support and provides independent, impartial, professional and tailored support to help you, as a participant, understand the process, manage expectations and look after your wellbeing.
As a participant in an SPCC complaint, conduct matter, DSI matter, or review, you will receive information about SIPSS from the SPCC. SIPSS is separate from both the SPCC and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and it is an optional service for you as a participant, should you wish to engage in support.
Is this support for me?
SIPSS may support people involved in an SPCC investigation or review, including:
- a complainant
- a current or former Service Police Officer whose conduct is being considered as part of an SPCC investigation or review or
- a witness, next of kin in death or serious injury matters or other participant affected by an SPCC investigation or review
You may be able to get support at different stages of the process. This may include when you:
- receive SPCC formal notifications
- are preparing for or reflecting on an interview
- are waiting for an outcome
- are dealing with the impact of a decision.
SIPSS does not replace welfare support provided by the Chain of Command or other services; it provides an additional independent source of support delivered by Victim Support.
What support does SIPSS offer?
SIPSS can provide emotional and practical support by telephone, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. This may include helping you understand the SPCC process, talking through how you are feeling, developing coping strategies, preparing for possible outcomes and signposting you to specialist organisations where appropriate.
How do I access SIPSS?
SPCC email notifications will explain that independent support is available through SIPSS and will provide the telephone number for you to contact the service directly.
Where appropriate, an SPCC investigator may also complete a referral form on your behalf and send it to SIPSS. The form will include only the information needed for Victim Support to contact you and will not include information about the case.
If you choose to use SIPSS, a Victim Support caseworker will carry out a needs assessment, agree a tailored support plan and review your plan as your needs change. If more than one person involved in the same investigation chooses to access SIPSS, each person will be assigned a different caseworker to ensure confidentiality and impartiality.
Will information I share with SIPSS be shared with the SPCC or MOD?
No. As SIPSS is independent and confidential, information you choose to share with your caseworker will not be shared with the SPCC or MOD. SIPSS will only share your case reference number with the SPCC to confirm that your case is active and to help guide the support provided.
How may I benefit from SIPSS?
SIPSS gives participants a safe, independent and confidential source of support throughout the SPCC process. By offering clear information, practical guidance and tailored support around the emotional impact, it helps people feel better informed, more prepared and less isolated while an investigation or review is ongoing.
If you would like more information about SIPSS or how to access it, please email: People-DPT-SPCC-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk