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How to apply for code membership

Information Commissioner's Office

Approved ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct for Investigative & Litigation Support Services

ICO Register of Approved Codes

Contact: Secretariat@theABI.org.uk T: 020 8191 7500

Benefits

Voluntary scheme for all service providers (ABI and non-ABI)
Sector specific good practice guide
Increases accountability & credibility
Managed by an independent Monitoring Body
Code members are listed in the unique code register
Familiarity with key issues
Clarity on how to address them
Compliance training
Understanding DP principals
Credibility with potential clients
Instilling confidence in individuals
Potential increase in business
Consideration by ICO in any enforcement

Sector Improvements

Commitment to compliance
Accountability and transparency
Building trust
Increased credibility
Standardsation of best practice
Professional development

Criteria

Proof of identity & address
Professional indemnity insurance (min. £500,000)
Basic Disclosure (no older than 12-months, then every 3-years)
Two redacted reports (or proposals)
References x 2
CV
ICO registered
Financial probity (free of CCJs & insolvency)

Requirements

Complaints (declaration)
Legislation compliance (declaration)
Criminal records register (declaration)
Training and/or qualifications record
UK GDPR sector specific training in previous 12-months, then every 3-years (ABI UK GDPR workshop or equivalent)
Documentation (redacted) such as a sample report / proposal demonstrating:
- Understanding and communication of role
- DPIA sample
- LIA sample
- Protection of children’s interests

The criteria in detail can be found in Appendix I to the published Code of Conduct.

Cost to apply for Code Membership

The cost for code membership equates to the same, whether or not you are an ABI member.

Annual fees (plus VAT):

Code administrative fee or ABI annual membership subscription (payable to the ABI on application or renewal)	£230.00
Audit fee (payable on application or renewal)	£180.00
TOTAL PA	£410.00

What do Workshop Attendees say?

Attending the ABI GDPR Workshop was invaluable. The course provided clear, practical guidance on GDPR compliance in terms of the role of the private sector investigator, enabling me to understand and navigate data privacy regulations confidently. The presenters expertise and real-world examples made the concepts easy to understand, and the interactive sessions helped us apply GDPR principles directly to cases we are regularly asked to undertake. Highly recommended for any private sector investigator looking to strengthen data protection practices!

Mike LeCorte

ABI Member

Great training session. Really informative and useful - the trainers was very knowledgeable and able to answer our questions and provide plenty of further info and examples

Workshop attendee

Excellent overall presentation. Very clear, with lots of examples and explanations. Great workshop, and the 6 hours flew by.

Karl Brooker

Tremark Associates Limited

I am very pleased with the expert knowledge on the UK GDPR topic. Kept the delegates engaged throughout the course and made a boring subject very interesting

Gerald Watson

ABI Member

Excellent, engaging, and enjoyable. Very clear and good use of real life examples. I liked the learning and then testing the knowledge. I thought this was just the right amount of teaching and discussion. It was interesting, and the time went very quickly. Also, I appreciated the learning tools after the session so we can refer back when needed.

Edith Serkovich

Tremark Associates Ltd

Excellent presentation from the font of all knowledge who knows all the finer grain details of the data protection legislation, great communication skills, a very thought-provoking workshop extremely well put. An enjoyable way to spend a Saturday.

Paul Moores

ABI Member

I found the UK GDPR workshop to be of good quality, with lots of suitable relevant information. The presentation's clarity was excellent. It featured organised content, clear visuals, and articulate delivery, making it easy to understand and engaging for the audience. The presentation had significant learning value. It offered insightful information, practical takeaways, and valuable knowledge, making it a worthwhile and educational experience for the audience

Alfie Haigh

ABI Member

I am a prospective member of the ABI - this event reinforced the value of the ABI and gave me a really useful insight to the organisation.

Membership Applicant

High standard and relevant information. When additional clarity required, examples given to drive the points home. One of the reasons I joined the ABI was the value of the knowledge and training. Setting time aside to understand and how to implement current requirements into a business is valuable to assist with compliance regulations and potentially in elevating an offering to clients

Workshop attendee

Easy to understand with the right level of detail required Very clear. I left the course feeling I had a much better understanding of my role and responsibilities

Workshop attendee

Easy to understand and follow along. Great zoom quality. Excellent. I learnt new information I can immediately use in my business and current tasks. This is my first course with the ABI and this has given me good encouragement that any further courses will be just as valuable.

Chris Harvey

ABI Member

Well presented and easy to follow. Very clear on the whole. Covered everything required for our profession.

Lindsey Jones

Workshop attendee

The presentation was delivered with clarity and precision. Complex concepts related to data protection were explained in a way that was accessible to all the participants, regardless of their level of expertise. The learning value of the presentation was outstanding. Overall, the ABI UK GDPR workshop was of excellent quality, I enjoyed it very much

Workshop attendee

ABI Member