Solicitors Regulation Authority Posts ICO-Approved Code of Conduct for Investigators

SRA Posts ABI’s New ICO-Approved Code of Conduct for Investigators

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The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the statutory regulator for all English and Welsh solicitors, has recently alerted its members to the Association of British Investigators’ (ABI) new Code of Conduct for investigators. This update is being welcomed as a clear sign that the legal community is taking data protection and ethical investigative practices seriously. The SRA’s public endorsement of the code is the latest in a series of high-profile approvals, following the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) public backing of the code in October 2024.

A Step Forward for the Industry

The ABI Code of Conduct provides clear guidelines on issues such as lawful data collection, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and the correct procedures for covert investigations. Approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office and supported by key industry bodies, the code is designed to ensure that investigations are conducted in a manner that upholds the highest standards of data protection.

Although the code remains voluntary, its implementation will be independently audited and evaluated using feedback from legal professionals. This approach is expected to increase accountability and build confidence among clients, including law firms, banks and local authorities.

The Legal Community Takes Notice

The SRA’s notice to its members underlines the importance of this new framework. By drawing attention to the ABI Code of Conduct and aligning with the ICO’s similar endorsement, the SRA is reinforcing the expectation that investigative practices should not only comply with legal requirements but also promote transparency and trust. This move highlights the growing convergence between investigative services and the legal profession, both of which are increasingly focused on robust data protection.

Looking Ahead

The forthcoming ABI Professional Conference in Solihull promises to offer further insights into how the new guidelines can be practically applied. Industry experts will have the opportunity to discuss how these standards can shape a more ethical and compliant approach to investigative work.

This update from the SRA is more than just a routine announcement; it is a call for higher standards in the industry.