This policy and guide should be read with the ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct for Investigative and Litigation Support Services (the Code), the ABI member DPIA template (Section 9.7 and Annex A) and LIA template (Section 6.7), and the ABI model Terms of Business (v.2026-10-23). Members who adopt the templates adopt this policy as their own. It is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
This document is intended to provide guidance to professional investigators regarding the use of overt body-worn video and audio devices, ensuring both their safety and the integrity of their work. This policy is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Model Terms of Business (Member / Client) (Last updated 2026-10-23)
These Terms apply to the provision of investigative and litigation support services by the member agency to the person or organisation instructing them. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Model Terms of Business (Member / Member) (last updated 2026-10-23)
These Terms are the default terms of business published by the ABI for the provision of investigative and litigation support services by one ABI member (the Sub-contractor) to another ABI member (the Principal). They apply to every such instruction unless the parties agree on different terms in writing for that instruction. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Conflict of Interest Assessment Guide (last updated 2025-02-28)
This Conflict-of-Interest Assessments Guidance document is designed to assist professional investigators in identifying, managing, and disclosing conflicts of interest that may arise during their work. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Inter Agency Assignments (last updated 2025-02-28)
Generally, agents exchange instructions in order that they can offer their own clients a greater coverage of geographical locations and types of work. Sub agents accept instructions so they may generate fees indirectly from clients they have no relationship with, but also to create a mutual arrangement with another agent for future assignments. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Inter-Agency Process Serving Guide to the Bad Actor List (last updated 2025-11-01)
So, you’re a process serving agent, eh? How long is it going to be before you’re on a bad actor list? If you follow this simple guide, you can avoid that altogether. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Physical or traditional surveillance is a crucial method for professional investigators to collect evidence across various cases. Nonetheless, it is essential that surveillance is conducted legally and adheres to ethical standards. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Serving Process in Prisons in England & Wales(last updated 2019-03-01)
The method of contacting the prison and the available legal visit time periods vary considerably from prison to prison. This guide will assist ABI members to navigate through the process.
Dealing with Client Debtors (last updated 2024-02-01)
Due to the nature of the client base, ABI members’ cash flow is not a concern to the ultimate client, which is, more often than not, a law firm. To the ABI member, of course, every payment matters. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
Model Data Sharing Request (last updated 2024-03-01)
REQUEST FOR DATA SHARING - Schedule 2, Part 1, Section 5(3) of the Data Protection Act 2018. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
How to serve legal documents at private home addresses where the occupier may have withdrawn permission to approach the door — by signage or in person. It applies to private dwellings and their grounds (drive, path, garden, porch); not commercial premises or public places. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
This Guide is intended for ABI members who are acting in the UK GDPR role of Controller. Members who are acting as Processors must not respond directly to a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR or SAR) but must immediately refer the request to the relevant Controller. The document is guidance for ABI members and does not constitute legal advice.
