NEWS – “without comment”
STATEMENT FROM WAPI CHAIRMAN
June 6. 2023
Following discussion with the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) it gives me pleasure to announce that WAPI have elected to adopt the joint and standardised Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct along with the IPI, as a way forward for the Investigation Sector.
In doing so both WAPI and IPI will advise the Information Commissioners Office of the adoption of the Code and this should be held as an Industry standard. Of course, any other Association may also decide to adopt the Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct further strengthening our sector in the current absence of regulation and possible future moves towards it.
Over recent years, the various back and forth discussions, proposals, and attempted side-lining of those that practice in our sector has only aided in fragmenting us, in my opinion. I now feel that the time has come to move forward in a positive and professional way.
The original WAPI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct remains in force and forms the basis for dealing with any complaints. All Members by virtue of their membership have undertaken to comply with the published Code of Ethics.
ALL Complaints are solely based upon alleged breaches of the Ethical Code as published.
IPI & WAPI joint and standardised Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
As a member of one of the above organisations, I undertake the following:
1. I must be accountable for all my work and/or investigations, which I will carry out within the
highest standards of legal, professional and ethical principles, ensuring that my activities are
covered by appropriate professional insurance. I will only operate in subjects or disciplines for
which I am are qualified and/or recognised as being competent.
- I will treat all information received in the course of my work and/or investigations with
discretion, confidentiality and in compliance with data protection law and principles. I must
require confirmation that a client’s information and instructions are for lawful uses only and
address any conflicts of interest, ensuring that I am personally or corporately registered with
the appropriate Data Protection body.
- I will deal professionally in all matters with discretion, courtesy, and confidentiality within ethical
constraints. I must not deny any professional services to any client for any reasons of race,
colour, religion, sex, accessibility needs, sexual preference, or national origin. I will interact
with others with Courtesy, Fairness and in accordance with the principles of Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion (EDI).
- I must not misrepresent or exaggerate my activities and/or services. I will uphold the aims and
objectives of my professional organisation(s) and protect their reputation and that of their
members.
- I will maintain a high level of self-development and professional competence and keep up to
date with legislation; techniques and any relevant disclosures required of me by my
organisation, in particular any convictions recorded on the criminal database in my jurisdiction.
- I will ensure that any others assisting me in my work will also comply with this Code of Ethics
and Professional Conduct. I will challenge and report any improper conduct of colleagues. I will
refer all matters of conflict between members to the organisations’ governing body for
arbitration, whose decision will be accepted as final and binding.
https://wapi.org/code-of-ethics/
With many thanks to those members, from around the world who have taken time to compliment and approve the adoption of the IPI/WAPI Joint Codes.
Tony Smith
June 06, 2023
WAPI Chairman
Users of Professional Investigative Services including members of the public, legal profession, business and corporate clients, are able to select a credible Professional Investigator who is recognized as a “professional” and as such is a member of an established and approved professional association such as The World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI).