Shergroup on the Sofa with Simon Henson

Talking UK Private Investigation, Surveillance Standards, and How to Hire the Right Team

In an industry often misunderstood and, at times, misrepresented, Simon Henson, founder of Titan Private Investigation Ltd (Titan PI), is clear about one thing: standards are everything. With a career that began in frontline policing and evolved into highly specialised covert operations, Henson has built Titan PI into a respected investigations and surveillance company operating across England and Wales.

Appearing on Shergroup on the Sofa, Henson offered a rare, candid insight into the realities of private investigation in the UK—lifting the lid on how the industry actually works, what clients should be wary of, and why professionalism and legality must remain at the heart of every operation.

This extended feature explores Henson’s journey, the evolution of Titan PI, and the practical advice he offers to individuals and organisations seeking investigative services in an unlicensed landscape.

From frontline policing to founding Titan PI

Simon Henson’s route into private investigation was not accidental—it was forged through nearly two decades of operational policing. Joining Nottinghamshire Police in 1997, he spent his early years responding to emergency calls in uniform, gaining first-hand experience of the unpredictable and often high-pressure nature of frontline work.

However, it was his transition into covert surveillance that shaped his future career. Working on serious organised crime investigations, Henson became immersed in intelligence-led operations that required patience, precision, and absolute discretion. These roles often carried significant risk, including the need for firearms training in certain deployments.

His later move into counterterrorism marked a further step into highly specialised policing. Operating as part of an East Midlands counterterror response unit, Henson contributed to national-level efforts, including work conducted from a covert base informally known as “Titan House”.

That name would later become the foundation of his business identity.

“When I left policing, it made sense,” Henson explains. “Titan represented everything I’d done—surveillance, investigations, and years of operational experience. It wasn’t just a name; it was what I’d lived and breathed.”

In 2014, Titan Private Investigation Ltd was established, carrying forward those same principles into the private sector.

An unlicensed industry: why due diligence matters more than ever

One of the most striking revelations from Henson’s discussion is a fact that surprises many clients: private investigation in the UK is not currently licensed.

Despite longstanding discussions around regulation, and early expectations that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) would extend licensing into the sector, no universal framework has yet been implemented. This creates a significant gap in oversight.

“In reality, anyone can set themselves up as a private investigator,” Henson says. “A website, a camera, and a bit of marketing—that’s all it takes on the surface.”

This lack of formal licensing places the burden of due diligence firmly on the client.

While GDPR, introduced in 2018, has strengthened rules around data protection and privacy, it does not replace the need for industry regulation. Instead, it adds another layer of responsibility for investigators to handle personal data lawfully and proportionately.

For clients, this means one thing: careful selection is essential.

How to choose the right investigator

Henson outlines a clear and practical framework for selecting a reputable private investigation firm—advice that is particularly valuable in a sector without formal licensing.

Professional memberships

Membership of recognised industry bodies such as the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) and the Association of British Investigators (ABI) is a strong indicator of credibility.

“These organisations don’t just hand out memberships,” Henson explains. “There are vetting processes, interviews, and standards that need to be met.”

Importantly, they also provide a layer of accountability. If a dispute arises, clients have a formal route for mediation—something that is absent when dealing with unregulated individuals.

ICO registration

Given the nature of investigative work, data handling is unavoidable. Checking whether a company is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is a critical step in ensuring GDPR compliance.

Insurance coverage

Reputable firms should carry both professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. While not always visible online, this is a question clients should not hesitate to ask.

Reviews and reputation

Online feedback can provide valuable insight. Henson advises looking for patterns rather than isolated comments—consistent complaints about service quality or ethics are clear warning signs.

Experience and background

While many investigators come from policing or military backgrounds, Henson stresses that experience matters more than origin.

“It’s about whether they actually understand investigations—not just whether they say they do.”

Legal awareness

Perhaps most importantly, investigators must operate within clear legal boundaries.

“At Titan, we work to a straight line,” Henson says. “There’s no grey area. Everything we do is lawful, necessary, and proportionate.”

Titan PI services: a comprehensive investigative offering

Titan PI provides a broad suite of services, supporting both private individuals and corporate clients. While the company offers around 30 different services, several core areas stand out.

Surveillance

Surveillance remains the backbone of the industry—and Titan’s most in-demand service.

Before any deployment, Titan conducts a legitimate interest assessment to ensure the operation is justified and that no less intrusive method is available.

Operations are typically conducted in blocks of at least five hours, with duration tailored to the client’s objectives.

Person tracing

From locating individuals for legal proceedings to reconnecting with lost contacts, tracing services are frequently used in both personal and commercial contexts.

Background checks

These are tailored to client needs, with a strict focus on relevance and proportionality.

GPS vehicle tracking

Often used alongside surveillance, GPS tracking helps establish movement patterns and supports efficient deployment.

Specialist services

Titan also offers:

• Handwriting analysis (graphology), often used in probate disputes
• Lie detection technology, with reported accuracy rates of 86–88%
• Bug sweeping for residential and commercial environments
• Physical penetration testing for corporate security
• Rural surveillance operations requiring extended covert observation
• Counter-surveillance for high-risk individuals and organisations

Demand trends: what clients are really asking for

Despite the wide range of services available, demand is heavily concentrated.

“Surveillance is the bread and butter,” Henson states. “Everything else often supports it.”

Person tracing and GPS tracking are also frequently requested, typically as part of a broader investigative strategy.

Seasonal trends also emerge. For example, lie detection services tend to see increased demand during periods where personal or professional decisions hinge on truth verification.

A real-world case: uncovering absenteeism

One of the most compelling examples shared by Henson involved a corporate investigation into suspected absenteeism.

A construction company raised concerns about a senior director whose expenses had shifted from train travel to mileage claims. The question was simple: was he genuinely travelling for work?

Titan began with the least intrusive method—vehicle tracking. The data revealed that the company vehicle was not being used for business purposes. Instead, it regularly visited locations such as golf clubs and gyms.

This intelligence justified escalation to surveillance.

Over a nine-month period, Titan conducted periodic surveillance—approximately one day per week—carefully balancing evidential needs with proportionality. Throughout the process, they worked closely with the client’s solicitors to ensure legal compliance.

The result was decisive: the director ultimately dismissed himself, and the company avoided continuing to pay a six-figure salary under false pretences.

The wider impact: why evidence matters in business

Henson highlights that cases like this are not just about identifying misconduct—they are about protecting organisational integrity.

“Absenteeism spreads,” he explains. “If one person gets away with it, others notice. It can damage morale and productivity across the entire workforce.”

For employers, the value of professional investigation lies in certainty. Decisions based on evidence are far more defensible than those based on suspicion.

International operations: capability with caution

Titan PI’s work is not limited to the UK. The company has undertaken investigations in locations including Dubai, India, Kenya, Singapore, and across Europe.

However, Henson is clear that international work comes with challenges.

“Flights, accommodation, logistics—it can become expensive very quickly,” he notes.

Where possible, Titan deploys its own trusted operatives for surveillance. For non-operational tasks, the company leverages professional networks such as the IPI and ABI to access reliable local support.

Entering the profession: surveillance as the gateway

For those considering a career in private investigation, Henson offers straightforward advice: start with surveillance training.

“Surveillance is where the demand is,” he says. “If you can’t do that, you’ll struggle.”

Recognising a gap in structured training, Titan launched its own five-day surveillance course in 2017, later expanding into online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Training standards

Henson recommends pursuing certificated courses at RQF Level 4, which provide both theoretical knowledge and practical assessment.

• Five-day classroom courses offer hands-on experience and formal evaluation
• Online courses are useful for theory but lack practical validation

He also highlights Level 3 investigative training programmes offered through professional bodies like the IPI.

Supporting new investigators: the Titan approach

Titan does not simply train individuals—it supports them into the industry.

Through its “Grow” aftercare programme, trainees gain access to operational opportunities via a shared resourcing network. This allows new investigators to build real-world experience under guidance.

Interestingly, Henson notes that successful operatives come from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups.

“There’s a perception that it’s a certain type of person,” he says. “But we’ve had operatives in their late 60s doing excellent work.”

Language skills are also a valuable asset, particularly for international assignments.

Raising standards in an evolving industry

At its core, Henson’s message is about professionalism.

Private investigation is not a loosely governed, “anything goes” environment. It is a discipline that demands legal awareness, ethical judgement, and meticulous planning.

In the absence of formal licensing, companies like Titan PI are helping to set the benchmark—demonstrating that high standards are not only possible but essential.

For clients, the takeaway is clear: invest time in choosing the right investigator. Verify credentials, ask questions, and prioritise experience over appearance.

For aspiring investigators, the path is equally defined: train properly, understand the law, and commit to continuous development.

Key takeaways

• The UK private investigation industry is not currently licensed, making due diligence essential.
• Membership of professional bodies such as the IPI and ABI provides credibility and accountability.
• ICO registration and insurance are critical indicators of compliance and professionalism.
• Surveillance is the most in-demand and operationally central service.
• Effective investigations begin with the least intrusive methods and escalate only when justified.
• Structured, certificated surveillance training is the best entry point into the profession.

As Simon Henson’s insights make clear, the future of private investigation in the UK will not be defined by regulation alone, but by the standards that professionals choose to uphold. Titan Private Investigation Ltd stands as a strong example of what that commitment looks like in practice—where experience, integrity, and evidence remain at the heart of every case.

About Titan Private Investigation Ltd

Titan Private Investigation Ltd is a leading provider of corporate and private investigation services in the UK. Based in Derby, the company serves clients nationwide, offering a full range of investigative solutions including surveillance, fraud investigation, digital forensics, and more. We are a private investigation agency with a reputation for professionalism, discretion, and delivering results. Titan is the trusted partner of choice for businesses seeking to protect their interests and ensure compliance.

London Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations London Office 020 39046622
Birmingham Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Birmingham Office 0121 7162442
Cambridge Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Cambridge Office 01223 662022
Derby Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Derby (Head Office) 01332 504256
Leeds Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Leeds Office 0113 4574066
Leicester Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Leicester Office 0116 2436520
Nottingham Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Nottingham Office 0115 9646950
Manchester Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Manchester Office 0161 3023008
Sheffield Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Sheffield Office 0114 3499400
Truro Private Investigatigator – Call the Titan Investigations Truro Office 01872 888706

Alternatively, you can contact us directly using our fully confidential contact form at enquiries@titaninvestigations.co.uk or chat directly using our Live Chat facility, and one of our UK Private Investigators will get right back to you.