Author: Adrian Ramdat (Director of Training & Consultancy)
January 2026
We are excited to announce our 2026 public training schedule for RIPA, RIPSA, and RIPL Bitesized events, designed to equip wider law enforcement, local authority, and intelligence professionals with the practical knowledge and confidence to apply covert powers lawfully and effectively.
Each session is tailored to provide actionable insights, ensuring participants leave with the skills and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of modern investigations.
EACH EVENT STARTS AT 10AM AND LASTS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 2 HOURS SO CAN EASILY BE FITTED INTO YOUR SCHEDULE
Our 2026 Events
Thursday 12 March – Directed Surveillance & Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) – Required RIPA/RIPSA/RIPL Knowledge.
This essential session delivers the core legal and operational knowledge practitioners need to confidently plan, apply for, and authorise covert activity. It provides a clear, structured understanding of the statutory framework governing Directed Surveillance and CHIS, ensuring decisions are lawful and defensible. Designed for those operating at pace, the session strengthens compliance with RIPA, RIPSA, and RIPL while supporting effective operational outcomes.
Thursday 7 May – RIPA/RIPSA/RIPL and Cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency now features routinely in criminal investigations, yet uncertainty around lawful monitoring remains widespread. This session provides clear, practical guidance on when crypto-related activity can be examined without authorisation, where the legal boundaries sit, and the point at which a RIPA, RIPSA or RIPL authorisation must be considered. Delegates will leave with the confidence to make defensible decisions and avoid both overreach and missed opportunities.
Thursday 2 July – Covert Product Management Requirements & the IPCO Data Assurance Porgramme
Failures in the management of covert material have resulted in lost cases and successful defence challenges. Poor retention practices, delayed reviews, or weak disposal processes are routinely scrutinised by the defence and inspectors alike. This session equips practitioners with best-practice approaches to managing covert product lawfully and defensibly, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, organisational policy, and the IPCO Data Assurance Programme. It is designed to stand up to audit, inspection, and courtroom challenge.
Thursday 24 September – RIPA/RIPSA/RIPL & Online Research – Where are the Boundaries?
Online research is now a routine investigative tool, yet the legal boundaries are often misunderstood. This session provides clear, practical guidance on how far digital research can lawfully go, where privacy expectations arise, and the point at which activity risks becoming directed surveillance or CHIS activity. Participants will leave with the confidence to conduct online enquiries lawfully and to recognise exactly when a RIPA, RIPSA or RIPL authorisation must be considered.
Thursday 22 October – RIPA/RIPSA/RIPL – How it Can Assist Investigations
RIPA, RIPSA, and RIPL are often viewed as barriers rather than enablers. This session reframes covert powers as effective investigative tools, demonstrating how they can be used lawfully and proportionately to strengthen enquiries and generate evidential opportunities. Delegates will gain practical insight into applying covert powers with confidence while remaining fully compliant with legal, ethical, and operational frameworks.
Thursday 10 December – RIPA/RIPSA/RIPL – What is a Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) and What Does it Mean in Practice?
Misunderstanding when someone becomes a CHIS is a common and costly error. This session demystifies CHIS activity, explaining how sources are identified, managed, and protected in practice. It explores roles, responsibilities, and safeguards, enabling practitioners to manage sources lawfully and safely. Participants will gain clarity on legal obligations, operational risk, and the critical distinction between information can be provided voluntarily or a person tasked and activity that requires formal CHIS authorisation.
Fees and Booking Information
The fee for each session is ONLY £69 +VAT per person,
To secure your place or for more information, contact our team directly at info@thesignaturebrand.co.uk
Stay ahead in investigations and ensure your practice is both effective and compliant. Join us in 2026 for these essential Bitesized sessions or run one in-house for your staff.
(Minimum numbers required to allow each public session to go ahead). *