Mutual Societies Public Records section
FSA Records Unit
The Public Records section of the FSA’s Permissions Department provides access to public records held for over 10,000 mutual societies. While there are many types of mutual societies, these mainly comprise those registered as industrial and provident societies; friendly societies; working men’s clubs; building societies or credit unions.
Public documents submitted by such societies are placed on their Public File. This documentation includes a society’s annual returns and accounts, registered rules and changes to its registered office address, as well as charges documentation or forms concerning a society’s deregistration. We offer ‘search’ and ‘copy’ services, whereby members of the public can obtain information by either arranging to inspect the records of a society in person at our Canary Wharf office in London, or by requesting photocopies of specific documents.
Alternatively, if you wish to view (free of charge) basic information online, such as a society’s registered name, its registered address, its date of registration or information regarding any transfers or amalgamations it has been subject to, please consult the Mutuals Public Register.
Requesting access to search a society’s public file
Upon receiving a written request we will contact you for payment of the basic fee and arrange an appointment to suit you. Our Search Room is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
You will be issued with a receipt at the end of your appointment and if you require copies of any of the documents viewed, these are available for a discounted fee.
Requesting copies
After receiving a written order, we will contact you for payment of the basic fee. This covers the cost of copying the first 20 pages, after which we may need to call you again to take a further payment.
Once the copies have been made, they are sent with a printed receipt by special delivery, or alternatively you can arrange to collect them from our offices.
Document certification
We can certify documents as true copies 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 page and include the society’s registered number, full name and registered office address.t.
Placing an order
Please note that we only accept written requests for these services – though this can be through email, fax or mailed letter. We will normally only take payment in advance by credit or debit card (we are unable to accept American Express). In exceptional circumstances payment by cheque can be arranged by calling our helpline on: 020 7066 4916, though this may delay the dispatch of your order.
Terms and Conditions. We aim to carry out your request within 15 working days of accepting your payment.
If you wish to proceed, complete the order form, clearly stating the society’s name, registration number (if known) and which service you require. Then please:
- email the completed order form to public.records@fsa.gov.uk; or
- fax it to us on 0207 066 4909; or
- post it to us at:
Mutual Societies Public Records Section
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.
If you have general or specific queries about a mutual society (rather than about the services provided by the Mutual Societies Public Records Section) please call: 0845 606 9966 (option 3).
Please note:
The Mutual Societies Public Records Section does not provide written confirmations of a society’s status
