CLIENT TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read these terms carefully before instructing us. They are designed to explain how we accept instructions,
charge for services, deploy operatives, protect confidentiality and handle technical equipment.
DEFINITIONS & SCOPE
In these terms, ‘Anderson & Co’, ‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ refer to Anderson & Co Surveillance and Private Investigators Ltd. ‘You’ and ‘the client’ refer to the person or organisation instructing us. We provide private investigation and surveillance services subject to the agreed scope of work, availability, legal requirements and these terms.
INSTRUCTIONS & SERVICE AGREEMENT
Once we have discussed your requirements and agreed the scope of the instruction, we will confirm the service and fee. We will use reasonable professional endeavours to carry out the agreed work efficiently, discreetly and within the agreed budget. Where requested, written confirmation of the instruction can be provided.
PAYMENT & COMMENCEMENT OF WORK
An invoice will be issued once the service and fee have been agreed. Unless we confirm otherwise in writing, the agreed fee must be paid in full before operational work begins. Any additional work outside the original scope will only be undertaken where agreed with the client. We do not add undisclosed charges to an agreed fixed-price instruction.
OUTCOME OF AN INVESTIGATION
Investigation fees are charged for the professional time, resources and work undertaken - not for a guaranteed result. We will always aim to obtain the best lawful evidence or information available, but the outcome may not be the one the client expects or hopes for. Payment remains due for work properly carried out regardless of the result.
SURVEILLANCE STAFFING
For mobile or higher-risk surveillance, we normally recommend a minimum of two operatives. This improves continuity, operational safety and the prospect of maintaining effective coverage. Where an instruction is predominantly static or involves limited movement, we may determine that one operative is appropriate. Final deployment is based on operational requirements and will be discussed
with the client.
EQUIPMENT, CANCELLATIONS & CONFIDENTIALITY
The following provisions apply where technical equipment is supplied, where an instruction is cancelled, and to the handling of confidential information during and after an investigation.
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT & RENTAL
Where we supply or rent technical equipment, including lawful tracking or monitoring equipment, the client must keep the existence, location and use of that equipment strictly confidential. The client must not tamper with, move, remove, damage or disclose the equipment to any third party. If equipment is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed because of the client’s negligence, interference or
unauthorised disclosure, the client may be charged up to £650 per item, or the actual replacement/repair cost where agreed. Any suspected compromise may result in immediate withdrawal of the equipment and suspension of the instruction.
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
If you wish to cancel an instruction, you must notify us as soon as possible. Once work has commenced - including trace work, background enquiries, research, planning or operational deployment - fees relating to work already undertaken are non-refundable. Where we are unable to provide the agreed service or have not commenced chargeable work, any refund due will be considered fairly in line with the work completed and costs already incurred.
LEGAL & ETHICAL COMPLIANCE
Anderson & Co operates within applicable UK law and professional standards. Our work is planned and conducted with regard to privacy, data protection and other relevant legal obligations. We will not accept instructions that require unlawful conduct, unlawful access to private information, harassment, trespass or any other activity that we reasonably believe would be illegal or improper.
CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION
Information supplied by the client and material obtained during an investigation will be treated as confidential and handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection law. We will not disclose sensitive client information to third parties unless authorised by the client, required for the proper performance of the instruction, or required by law, court order or other lawful authority. Investigation
records will be stored securely and retained only for as long as reasonably necessary or legally required.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCEPTANCE
The client must provide accurate information, act lawfully and avoid taking any action that could compromise an operative, investigation or item of equipment. By instructing Anderson & Co and making payment, the client confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions. If any part of the instruction changes, the client should notify us promptly so that the scope, risks and fees can be reviewed where necessary.