Home The Association of British Investigators logo
Banner background texture

The ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct

ABI Certified Code of conduct (3)
White curve graphic

The code is a voluntary data protection scheme approved by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under Article 40 of the UK GDPR, as listed on the ICO website - click here.

1. What is the ICO approved ABI code of conduct?

The code is designed for businesses engaged in investigative and litigation support services. It aims to provide sector-specific guidance to help code members comply with data protection law and to increase accountability in handling personal data.
Code membership is managed by an independent ICO approved and UKAS accredited monitoring body. Code members must satisfy the monitoring body with the requirements covered in the code. These are fully explained in Appendix I to the code and dealt with at the ABI UK GDPR workshop (see dates available here). 
Code membership applies only to businesses audited and approved by the monitoring body and who appear on the code members’ register here.

GDPR magnify

2.    What are the key issues addressed in the code?

  • Roles and responsibilities of code members.
  • Conducting data protection impact assessments.
  • Determining lawful basis for data processing.
  • Performing legitimate interest assessments.
  • Obtaining consent to share personal data in certain cases.
GDPR keyboard

3. What are the benefits of code membership?

  • Familiarity with key issues within the scope of the code.
  • Clarity on how to address them.
  • Compliance training.
  • Understanding of data protection principles.
  • Credibility with potential clients.
  • Instilling confidence in individuals.
  • Potential increase in business, not least due to ICO recognition.
  • Consideration by ICO in any enforcement actions.
pexels tima miroshnichenko 5685822

4. How will code membership improve the sector?

  • Commitment to compliance.
  • Accountability and transparency.
  • Building trust with clients and individuals.
  • Increased credibility and business with legal professionals, insurers, and other organisations.
  • Standardisation and best practices, as approved by the ICO.
  • Professional development.

5. How does a service provider become a code member?

The criteria outlined in Appendix I of the code specify various requirements that a business offering code services must satisfy to obtain membership. These criteria are attainable by businesses of any size, provided their leadership is committed to compliance. The code can be downloaded here.

To apply for code membership, click here for details and/or contact Secretariat@theABI.org.uk 020 8191 7500.

microsoft 365 TLiWhlDEJwA unsplash.