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How to apply for code membership

ABI Certified Code of conduct (3)
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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

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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
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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 here.

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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?

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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
Workshop attendee

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

ES
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.

AN
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

JG
Workshop attendee

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

Daniela
Workshop attendee