The GDPR has significant implications for law firms and their service providers, particularly those involved in investigative and litigation support services. It is essential for law firms to ensure that any third-party service providers they engage also comply with the UK GDPR, in order to mitigate potential risks and protect personal data.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has approved the ABI UK GDPR Code of Conduct, which assists legal professionals by setting out guidelines and standards for GDPR compliance in this area. The published code can be found on the ICO's website here. By choosing support services that adhere to, and are audited against, this code, law firms can help ensure that their service providers meet the necessary data protection standards.
The Code of Conduct also includes a “fit and proper” test for agencies, assessing suitability against criteria, modelled on membership of the Association of British Investigators (ABI). By requiring that their selected investigative service providers are members of the ABI, law firms can be more confident that these providers are dedicated to upholding strong data protection and privacy standards.
For law firms, working with ABI member agencies not only helps align with GDPR requirements but also provides an additional layer of trust and assurance associated with a recognised professional body.
