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FEATURE

Conclusion: A New Era for the Investigation Industry What’s next? Once the monitoring body receives its final
approval, the ABI will implement the program. Information
The ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct is more than a compliance tool—it’s on how to sign up for the Code can be found here
a milestone in the evolution of the investigation industry in the private
sector. For UK professional investigators, it provides the clarity and Emily Keaney, Deputy Commissioner for Regulatory Policy
confidence needed to navigate GDPR’s complexities while maintaining at the ICO said: “Codes of Conduct are an excellent way
the effectiveness of their work. For international investigators, it serves of helping organisations demonstrate data protection
as an inspiring model for aligning with global data protection standards. compliance and protecting people’s data rights, and we
are delighted to have approved the first Code of Conduct
As privacy laws tighten worldwide, the ABI Code offers a forward- under UK GDPR. They enable organisations to address and
looking approach that balances investigative efficiency with the highest resolve any data protection challenges, whilst also providing
ethical standards. For investigators committed to professionalism, it’s not transparency and regulatory certainty.
just about compliance—it’s about leading the way in a rapidly evolving
industry. “We hope that our approval of this code encourages
other sectors to also recognise the benefits of developing
By embracing this Code, UK investigators can reinforce their position their own codes of conduct, demonstrating best practice
as trusted professionals in a competitive market. And for those and accountability.” Tony Imossi, the Secretariat of The
operating globally, adopting its guidance can ensure they remain at the ABI and author of the ABI Code of Conduct added: “The
forefront of ethical and effective investigative practice in an increasingly code exemplifies the ABI’s commitment to professional
interconnected world. investigations, upholding the highest standards of integrity
and confidentiality. This is crucial for ensuring trust and
For details on how to apply for Code Membership and the requirements, compliance with the data protection law.”
CLICK HERE.
For further information on the ABI Code of Conduct, please
This is the circular that was sent to the WAD membership once the Code visit the ABI website www.theabi.org.uk
of Conduct was approved:

I wanted to take a moment on behalf of the ABI to extend a heartfelt Mike LaCorte
thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—whether by President | The Association of British Investigators
attending seminars and workshops, actively contributing to consultations, Past President | World Association of Detectives
providing valuable feedback or providing direct assistance in drafting
the Code. I would like to acknowledge especially the contributions of
WAD members Dick Smith QPM and Vice President Mark Hodgson and
Chairman Nicci Ashby.

Above all, I would like to recognise the vision and tireless efforts of
WAD Member Tony Imossi (ABI Secretariat and WAD 2023 Norman
J Sloan Award recipient) without whom this Code could not have
achieved final approval. Tony’s invaluable expertise has helped shape
the ICO’s approach to many of the key challenges addressed in the Code.
The finished product is a testament to the unwavering perseverance,
dedication, resilience, and hard work that has gone into developing the
ABI Code over these past five years.

From the outset, gaining support from the legal profession was essential,
and I’m pleased to share that both the Law Society and the Solicitors
Regulation Authority have backed this initiative since day one. They
remain committed to promoting this unique, self-regulatory regime.
Achieving Code membership is open to all practitioners who meet
the criteria, which has been set on a level basis, as to skill, fit & proper
standard and cost. This milestone offers a pathway to unite an otherwise
fragmented and largely unregulated industry. The Law Society, along
with the GC and the ICO, shares the vision of how transformative
this Code could be. Additional stakeholders, including government
departments and law enforcement, have shown keen and encouraging
interest in the Code.

14 W.A.D Beyond Global