Tremark Associates are proud that the company has seven qualified professional investigators who have sat and passed the Pearson EDL Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QFL) exam.
The training and exam covered compliance with relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act, The Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act, The Private Industry Security Act, Freedom of Information Act and the Criminal and Civil Procedure rules. The exam also requires that students demonstrate a good knowledge of conducting investigations, undertaking surveillance and handling evidence.
The qualification is highly expected to be one of the requirements for individual licensing of Private Investigators as announced by the Home Secretary Teresa May last year.
Karl Brooker, Ben Mansell, Andy Kemp, Colin Rush, Melanie Batt, and Richard Wooler all join Managing Director Mark Hodgson as holders of the qualification.
Tremark have invested heavily over the past few years to continually improve both our infrastructure and the knowledge of our people
The qualification follows examination of the following areas:
Unit 1: Principles of planning and reporting investigations
This unit provides an introduction and overview of the principles and concepts that investigators consider when evaluating and exploring their assignments. It considers the pitfalls and problems that occur when a case is not managed in the appropriate fashion. An understanding of your clients’ needs and expectations are contrasted with legal, professional and ethical considerations. The unit also looks at creating the appropriate report in the requisite style and formula.
Key topics include:
* Determining the outcomes and objectives of investigations, establishing feasibility.
* Methods of gathering and using information • Understanding what information is required to meet specific outcomes.
* Legal Framework – consequences.
* Establishing networks and partnerships.
* Conflict of interest.
* Presentation and compilation of client reports.
Unit 2: Principles of gathering and using information for investigations
This unit explores information gathering and management, looking at processes and procedures. Procedures around evidence gathering, use and storage of evidence and information is covered. Methodology and Legislation around investigations is explored. The need for security and confidentiality is emphasised. A Surveillance portfolio to demonstrate understanding and key knowledge around setting up and managing a surveillance operation is required to achieve the award.
Key topics include:
* Analysis and valuation of information and evidence
* Research methods and sources of information
* Evidence Continuity and integrity
* Interviewing witnesses and suspects
* Surveillance
* Health and Safety
Mark Hodgson said ‘Tremark have invested heavily over the past two years to continually improve both our infrastructure and the knowledge of our people. I am delighted that all our team have been successful in achieving this qualification and congratulate them all. Irrespective of whether the industry becomes subject to licensing, there is already a realm of legislation from various acts that an investigator must be mindful of and compliant with when conducting an investigation. Our clients can instruct Tremark in the knowledge that information obtained has been done so lawfully and will comply with the judiciary requirements’.