PRESS RELEASE 10 JUNE 2024 14:00 HRS CONFEDERATION of PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS UK (COPI UK)

You will be aware that the Government’s plans announced many years ago to regulate the investigation industry have not been implemented, resulting in a lack of confidence from public and regulators, and a proliferation of rogue operators.

We are therefore pleased to announce today the launch of ‘The Confederation of Professional Investigators UK’ (COPI UK – www.copiuk.org.uk). The founding stakeholders being the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI – www.ipi.org.uk), the World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI – www.wapi.org) and the United Kingdom Private Investigators Network (UKPIN – www.ukpin.com).

This body is an amalgamation of long-standing respected Core Stakeholder bodies and organisations within the Private Investigation industry, whose members are professionals of repute known for their compliant, ethical best business practices. The collective longevity of the Confederation’s Stakeholders is over 100 years, which means clients can relax in the knowledge that their confidential affairs will be in safe hands.

We welcome and have offered invitations to all industry trade groups to join COPI UK whose collective voice is aimed at protecting the interests of UK Professional investigators and their clients, and acting as a conduit to Government and Regulators on important industry matters. In particular of course, to ensure that any future regulation is independent, appropriate, fair for all, safeguards individual investigators/clients, and is not monopolised by a single trade entity.

This is a positive move to establish a collective voice from established Associations, already known for best business practices, following an agreed Code of Ethics protecting commercial Clients, the general public, and Investigators alike, and also limiting the activities of the rogue operators that have haunted this profession.

Membership of the Confederation is open to all Industry trade groups and carries no membership fees or administration charges whatsoever. Reputable agencies and practitioners all adhere to a Code of Conduct and last year WAPI, IPI and UKPIN jointly signed a consolidated voluntary Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct across their Memberships, which will also be an entry requirement for COPI UK.

Legislation will eventually come to this Profession, and as a united body of accredited Associations, we can ensure that our voice is heard rather than any one entity trying to dictate. It is planned that all member stakeholders elect one person to speak for their Association in COPI in matters and plans going forward, thus ensuring equality and fairness to all members.

The autonomy of each of the Associations will be unaffected by their involvement in COPI UK and Individuals cannot become members of COPI UK, only representative bodies or organisations. We believe that this is the best opportunity in years to unify this profession and establish greater protection for clients and members alike, and be a positive move forward in the absence of Government regulation.