Mutual Societies Public Search and Copy
FSA Records Unit
The Search and Copy Team which is in the ICM Department provides the Mutual Societies Public Search and Copy service for over 10,000 registered societies. These organisations include those registered as industrial & provident societies, working men’s clubs, friendly societies, building societies and credit unions throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Any public documents submitted by societies, such as annual returns and accounts, society rules, certificate of registration, charges or mortgages, and de-registration forms are available on societies’ public records files. Members of the public can obtain this information by requesting photocopies of specific documents, or by arranging to inspect the records in person at our offices at 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London.
Photocopy orders
We can supply photocopies of any documents in the public domain that have been submitted to us by the society. When we receive your request we will contact you to take a basic payment. If there are any additional fees we will call you again for a second payment.
Once we’ve completed your work we will send the photocopies, with a printed receipt, to you by ‘special delivery’. Alternatively, you can arrange to collect the work from our offices.
Please note: We will normally only take payment in advance by credit or debit card. For security reasons we do not keep a record of your card details, so will need to contact you for each transaction. However, in exceptional circumstances payment by cheque will be considered but this may result in additional time before the order can be completed. This must be arranged by calling our helpline on 020 7066 4916.
Document Certification
We can certify documents as a true copy for an additional fee.
Search orders
When we receive your request, we will call you to take your basic payment. Then, when your files are ready to inspect, we will contact you again to arrange a viewing appointment.
Our Search Room is open Monday to Friday between 10.00-12.00 and 14.00–16.00.
We will issue your receipt at the end of your appointment.
You can ask for copies from the files being searched, for an additional fee.
Society lists
We can also provide electronic or paper lists of registered societies. The types of society lists available are listed in the fees and include the society’s registered number, full name and registered office address.
Service levels
We aim to carry out your request within 15 working days of accepting your payment.
Ordering
To place an order with us
- read the terms and conditions,
- complete the order form, clearly stating the society’s name, registration number (if known), and whether you require photocopies or wish to inspect the file in person,
- fax it to us on 0207 066 4909; or
- post it to:
Mutual Societies Search and Copy,
Financial Services Authority,
25 The North Colonnade,
Canary Wharf,
London, E14 5HS.
We are unable to answer queries by email, but if you have any questions about our services please call our helpline on 0207 066 4916.
Please note: Mutual Societies Public Search and Copy do not provide written confirmations of a society’s status.
