Message from Tony Smith – Chairman

Tony Smith

November 2025

Chairmans Message – 2025/2026 Term

I am again honoured to be WAPI Chairman for 2026.  I gratefully acknowledge the hard work and dedication given by my Governing Council throughout the past year in particular our Secretary Chris, who ably assisted by Beverley,  has made the job her own and retains that position going forward.

This year WAPI  has also added to that Governing Council in the shape of Natalie McCullins, Gennine Hanlon and Justin McGibbon all of whom bring their skills and talent to us to further the advancement of WAPI as a fully representative body within the profession.

All Governing Council Bio’s can be found on this website

This year brings some exciting ideas for the Association, including a ‘Women’s Collective’ which will encompass the ever growing female membership of Professional Investigators we are gathering and this will be a first for the UK investigation profession. Together with an enhanced workshop and education presence leading to increased knowledge and assistance for the membership.

The Investigative profession continues to evolve rapidly.  Advancements in technology, changes in regulation and shifting global challenges require us to remain adaptable,  knowledgeable and  ethically grounded.  As Chairman I will endeavour to strengthen our capabilites, promote best practice and ensure that WAPI remains a trusted voice for professional investigators worldwide. In the year ahead and in that vein, we will continue to enhance and expand international collaboration and support our Members in navigating the increasing complexities of our field and work to raise public awareness of the critical role that Investigators play.  

Tony Smith

Chairman

World Association of Professional Investigators

November 2025.

The World Association of Professional Investigators is delighted to announce in conjunction with the Institute of Professional Investigators & UKPIN the launch of ‘The Confederation of Professional Investigators UK’

Members,

10th June 2024 WAPI, in conjunction with the Institute of Professional Investigators ( IPI) and the United Kingdom Private Investigators Network (UKPIN), launched the Confederation of Professional Investigators UK. (COPI) https://www.copiuk.org.uk

Invitations have been sent to all Associations that have an interest in this profession to come on board at no cost and, as you will see, the benefits are clear on the website http://www.copiuk.org.uk

This is a 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 those ‘cowboys’ that continue to haunt 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 voluntary Code of Ethical Conduct across their Memberships ensuring that their members complied.

All individual COPI members will continue as Associations in their own right and COPI will NOT in any way interfere with the business operations of any individual member Association.. COPI also ensures that ALL practicing Investigators signing to the Code of Conduct act as one voice and therefore ensure that no individual Association is disadvantaged by profiteering or unfair practices.

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 Association trying to dictate. It is planned that all member stakeholders elect one person to speak for their Association in COPI for matters and plans going forward that way ensuring equality and fairness to all members.

For too long this profession has been fragmented and a little weighed down with self-interest to carry any real authority when views of the profession are sought from either government, media, or the general public.

The launch will be extensive as this is, in my opinion, our best opportunity in years to unify this profession and establish greater protection for clients and members alike and I therefore hope you will all consider those benefits.

Tony Smith
Chairman
World Association of Professional Investigators.
10th June 2024