Association of British Investigators

The Association of British Investigators (ABI) is the UK’s leading authority and thought leader on all matters relating to the investigation industry.

With roots that date back as far as 1913, the ABI is a national and international platform representing members who provide investigation and litigation support services to legal firms, private clients and corporations alike.

The ABI is an exclusive industry-partner of the Law Society.

As the leading professional body for investigative and litigation support services working in the UK and beyond, we recommend the ABI to our members to both provide a first-class service and protect against reputational damage. 

Why use ABI members?

Watch this video to find out more about the work of the ABI and its members:

Professional expertise across the UK

The ABI membership is a single source of highly experienced and qualified industry experts who have met the high standards required to join this prestigious association.

This gives members access to a unique membership of expertise for all their litigation support and investigative requirements.

Save time

In an unlicensed sector, choosing investigative and legal service providers can be very daunting.

Increasing compliance and regulation makes it more important than ever to ensure that the necessary level of due diligence is conducted.

By instructing an ABI member, you'll have the assurance that all its members:

• have been DBS checked
• have demonstrated the necessary qualifications or industry experience
• are financially stable
• have demonstrated their professional ability to the high standard required
• have passed the scrutiny of an interview panel
• are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• have appropriate professional indemnity insurance
• can be further held accountable for their actions through the association's robust disciplinary system

The necessary due diligence has already been carried out by the association, saving a huge amount of time and effort in having to conduct the research for yourself.

Peace of mind – reduce risk

As a result of the exacting professional standards required to join the association and the depth of due diligence carried out on potential candidates, ABI members can enjoy the peace of mind and confidence from knowing that they’re working with bona fide, legitimate and accountable professionals who are fully compliant with all aspects of their field of expertise.

This eliminates the risk of unwittingly instructing a rogue agency with unethical practices that could potentially cause irreparable reputational damage.

The experts in the field of investigation and litigation support

The ABI is the only association in this industry to be recognised by the Law Society of England and Wales, and included in the Law Society of Scotland's Approved Supplier scheme.

It’s therefore essential that legal firms protect themselves from unwittingly instructing rogue agencies, leaving them vulnerable to reputational damage and a poor service for their clients.

The solution to this problem is to use the ABI membership for all their investigative and litigation support needs.

A report published by ABI explains why maintaining a self-regulatory regime of work and improving standards and good practices, not present elsewhere in the UK’s investigation industry, is so important.