GDPR Code of Conduct for Private Investigators Approved by ICO

Code of Conduct for Private Investigators: Key Summary

The private investigation industry is celebrating a major achievement: the ICO has approved the Association of British Investigators (ABI) UK GDPR Code of Conduct. This sets a new standard for data protection and ensures investigators can balance effective work with protecting people’s privacy.

Mark Hodgson, Chairman of Tremark Associates and Vice President of ABI, calls it a big step forward in building trust and accountability. The code of conduct for private investigators gives clear guidance on staying compliant and encourages all industry players to sign up for a safer, more professional future.

What the Code of Conduct for Private Investigators Means

Data protection is more important than ever, and private investigators must adapt. At Tremark Associates, we’re thrilled to celebrate a major milestone: the ICO has officially approved the Association of British Investigators (ABI) UK GDPR Code of Conduct.

This is a game-changer for our industry, helping us work lawfully while safeguarding people’s privacy.

A Huge Win for the British Private Investigators Industry

Mark Hodgson, Chairman & Founder of Tremark Associates and Vice President of the ABI, shares his thoughts:

“I am so proud of the Association of British Investigators for this achievement and incredibly grateful to the Information Commissioner’s Office for all their hard work in getting to this point.”

The ABI’s Code gives investigators a clear framework to follow, raising the bar for privacy and professionalism. Therefore, it’s about more than just compliance—it’s about building trust and improving the way we work.

Why the Code of Conduct for Private Investigators Matters

The code of conduct gives practical tools to help British investigators follow the law and protect privacy. It covers:

• Lawful data collection – How to legally gather data without someone knowing.
• Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) – Steps to spot and reduce risks when handling personal data.
• Covert investigations – Making sure background checks, surveillance, and people tracing are done right.

Mark Hodgson highlights why it’s vital for clients to pay attention:

“I hope law firms, banks, and local authorities take note. Furthermore, they need to see what protection the Code offers—not just for data subjects, but for themselves as data controllers.”

How the Code of Conduct for Private Investigators Raises Standards in an Unregulated Industry

Private investigation has long lacked clear, consistent rules. The ABI Code aims to fix that by offering a strong self-regulation system. Moreover, Hodgson explains why this is so important:

“Unfortunately, for reasons I cannot fathom, our industry remains unregulated. This Code lets clients know that members who sign up have been independently audited and meet high standards of compliance.”

The code of conduct for private investigators already has support from the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority, showing it can boost client confidence and improve industry practices.

Looking Ahead for British Private Investigators

The 2025 ABI Professional Conference in Solihull will dive deeper into how the code of conduct works and what it means for British private investigators. It’s a great chance for industry professionals to learn and collaborate.

At Tremark Associates, we’re proud to lead the way by adopting the code of conduct for private investigators.

We believe it’s the start of a safer, more professional future for private investigations—and we invite others to join us. Together, we can raise standards and build trust in a data-driven world.