My account

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 data protection principles
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
Standardisation 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) "Stay compliant, stay secure: GDPR training is your first line of defence!"
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):

ABI administrative fee for non-ABI equal to ABI members' subscription (payable to the ABI on application Y1 and on renewal Y2 onwards)	£230.00
Audit fee (payable to monitoring body direct, on referral by ABI, Y1)	£412.00
Audit fee (payable to monitoring body direct, on referral by ABI, Y2 onwards)	£280.00

What do Workshop Attendees say?

I found the illustration of the data controller and data processor outstanding; the use of images immediately captures the essence of the key elements of the two concepts. It was perfectly understandable to me. It had a lot of added value for me. It was interesting to hear the difference between EU and UK law. He was fully prepared and has outstanding knowledge in the field. 2025-09-30

Akos Balasz Dr Filep

ABI Member

Very good. No complaints. Clear and concise, knowledge checks helped reinforce learning
No wasted irrelevant content, and all useful. I would have preferred to start earlier, at maybe 0800 or 0900, but the course material was great. 2025-09-30

Workshop attendee

Very good quality and well explained throughout. Crucial going forward in the field I work. Excellent. 2025-10-16

Workshop attendee

ABI Member

Well organised. I thought it was a very difficult topic, but it was clearly presented in a way that made it understandable. I took a lot from the course and found it very useful. It was well presented. 2025-09-02

ABI Member

Too wide. Presentation on high level, simple understandable language. All clear and simple.
Great pack of knowledge which will help me in the future to run the PI business. Presenters have massive knowledge gained through the years of experience. I don't see any weak points here. 2025-0-30

ABI Member

Over all good. Very clear, but I did find myself not reading the questions properly with the time constraints. Damion, seemed to answer all the delegate questions. 2026-04-08

Jason Bytheway

ABI Member

Well organised. Very useful as a refresher and for additional learning. 2026-04-08

Tony Rosinger

ABI Member

Clear. Well organised. Excellent, presented in a common-sense way and with appropriate and relevant detail. Excellent, Damion was knowledgeable and interesting. 2025-11-12

Nicola Verheijen

ABI Member

Well organised. Easy to understand, relevant and delivered with confidence. Set at an appropriate level.
Specific enough for the role. Obviously well versed with the subject. It's quite a dry but important topic. Enjoyed the input; it made me understand the importance of standards. 2026-02-04

Stuart Wood

ABI Member

Well presented. Very clear. Excellent and needed. You must absorb 3 hours of PowerPoint before the exam. Input on DSAR action requests and completion of dos and don'ts would be really beneficial. ABI's assistance with two DSARs was excellent and very beneficial. I learned so much, and my confidence in dealing with them appropriately is now high. This course definitely gave me a more profound understanding of the roles and responsibilities. 2026-03-11

Paul Read

ABI Member

Well organised. Daimon presented the topic in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. The subject matter could easily be quite 'dry', but the pace was manageable, and the interaction with all of us throughout meant that it was easy to stay engaged. As a newcomer to the PI industry it was much easier to get to grips with this important topic through a workshop like this rather than having to try and just read through any guidance and hoping that it will all sink in. I appreciated the regular screen/tea breaks! 2026-03-11

ABI Member

The slides were clear and understandable. The explanations of the relevant concepts were understandable, albeit the topic itself is confusing at times. I feel a lot more knowledgeable about the GDPR and my role in ensuring compliance. I definitely learned a lot that will prove valuable going forward, mainly in terms of how I think about DP issues. The presenter had a very good understanding of the relevant subject matter. 2025-09-02

Workshop attendee

ABI Member