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The ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct

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The ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct for Investigative and Litigation Support Services is a sector-specific code of good practice approved by the ICO under Article 40(5) of the UK GDPR. It is the first UK GDPR code of conduct of its kind in the UK. [Find out more]

Joining the Code membership scheme is voluntary. It is designed for professional investigation agencies committed to meeting its data protection standards.

Register of Code Members

Code of Conduct Scheme - Explained

 

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 workshops. Code membership applies only to businesses audited and approved by the monitoring body and who appear on the code members' register.
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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.

Code CHART

 

  • 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.
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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.

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.