Trusted Operatives
Every specialist who supports a Vera & Vale instruction has been carefully selected for their operational experience, professional standards and ethical record. The team is a considered network of specialists, brought together on a case-by-case basis depending on the skills the investigation requires.
Depending on the nature of an investigation, our network may include specialists in the following areas.
Our surveillance team includes professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement and specialist intelligence roles. Mobile and static surveillance, foot and vehicle coverage, multi-operative deployments and long-duration monitoring are all within operational capability. Every operative understands tradecraft, legal compliance and evidence standards.
Several members of our network have analytical backgrounds, either within policing or intelligence structures. They apply structured analytical methodology to complex cases, identifying patterns, building timelines and assessing risk in ways that raw observation alone cannot provide.
Some investigations require more than evidence alone. Where appropriate, we work alongside behavioural specialists with experience in behavioural detection and investigative assessment, providing additional insight into patterns of behaviour, decision-making and risk. This capability can be particularly valuable within complex personal matters, safeguarding concerns and investigations involving repeated behavioural patterns.
Where concerns extend beyond fact-finding, Vera & Vale can draw upon specialists experienced in threat assessment and protective risk management. These services support clients in understanding potential risks, assessing vulnerabilities and making informed decisions regarding personal safety, privacy and reputation.
The online environment increasingly forms part of modern investigations. Our digital specialists assist with online enquiries, digital footprint analysis, open-source intelligence, social media research, online impersonation investigations and the preservation of digital evidence where appropriate. Every enquiry is conducted lawfully and with careful consideration for privacy and data protection.
We regularly support solicitors, businesses, insurers and professional advisers requiring reliable intelligence and evidential support. This includes due diligence, litigation support, process serving coordination, corporate enquiries and investigations designed to assist informed commercial and legal decision-making.
About
At Vera & Vale, we believe the value of an investigation is not measured by the amount of information collected, but by the clarity it provides.
Information alone rarely tells the full story. The ability to analyse it, verify it, understand its significance and present it in context is what transforms information into intelligence.
That philosophy sits at the heart of every instruction we accept.
We are female-led, academically grounded and staffed by a network of professionals with real-world investigative experience. Whether supporting an individual through a deeply personal matter, assisting legal professionals, advising businesses or protecting the interests of high-profile clients, our role remains the same:
Every investigation is conducted lawfully, ethically and with complete discretion.
Founded on experience
Founder & Principal Investigator
Vera & Vale was founded by Holly Harris, a former Metropolitan Police officer who brings an unusual combination of qualifications to investigative work.
She holds a first-class degree in criminology from Loughborough University and is a published researcher in the field of domestic abuse. Her academic background gives her a depth of analytical capability that most private investigators simply do not have. Her policing career gave her practical, operational experience of evidence gathering, interview technique, case management and working within the boundaries of UK law.
That combination of operational experience and academic analysis shaped the philosophy behind Vera & Vale.
Whilst many investigations focus solely on gathering evidence, we believe equal importance should be placed on understanding what that evidence actually means.
The result is an approach that is analytical, methodical and intelligence-led, ensuring every investigation is tailored to the objectives, sensitivities and circumstances of each individual client.
More than traditional PI
Private investigation is often viewed simply as surveillance or background checks. In reality, every investigation begins long before any surveillance is conducted.
Our investigative network
Vera & Vale operates through a carefully selected network of specialist professionals, allowing us to provide nationwide operational capability whilst maintaining the personalised service expected from a boutique agency.
Every individual who works on a Vera & Vale case has been vetted, briefed and operates within our professional framework — sharing our commitment to discretion, integrity and excellence.
Former police officers with operational investigative experience
Trained field operatives working to SIA and industry standards
OSINT and digital intelligence professionals
Experienced in processing and contextualising complex information
Officers trained in behavioural analysis and indicators
Single point of contact throughout every instruction
Why clients choose Vera & Vale
Every investigation is planned strategically and analysed thoroughly. We do not simply gather evidence — we interpret it, contextualise it and present it with clarity.
Confidentiality is embedded into every stage of the investigative process — from initial consultation through to final reporting. It is not an option. It is a standard.
We provide honest advice, lawful investigations and evidence our clients can rely upon. We do not exaggerate outcomes. We do not make promises we cannot keep.
Our investigative network
Every investigation conducted by Vera & Vale is carried out lawfully, ethically and proportionately, with complete respect for privacy, confidentiality and UK legislation.
We are transparent about what an investigation can, and cannot, achieve. Our clients trust us because our advice is objective, our methods are lawful and our reporting is honest.
All investigations are conducted in full compliance with current UK data protection legislation and GDPR requirements.
Every instruction is assessed against proportionality and necessity, ensuring full respect for the privacy rights of all parties.
We operate exclusively within the legal boundaries of the United Kingdom. Our methods are transparent, proportionate and defensible.
Our reports are prepared to the standard required for legal proceedings and are designed to withstand scrutiny.
Client Feedback
FAQs
Vera & Vale was founded by Holly Harris, a former Metropolitan Police officer with a first-class degree in criminology from Loughborough University. Holly is a published researcher in the field of domestic abuse and brings both academic expertise and operational policing experience to the consultancy.
It is an agency that approaches every case analytically, beginning with intelligence gathering and strategic assessment before committing to any operational activity. Rather than simply gathering evidence, we interpret it, contextualise it and present it in a way that supports our clients in making informed decisions.
Our academic foundation, ex-Metropolitan Police background and intelligence-led philosophy are unusual in the private investigation sector. We are also female-led and serve a client base that includes private individuals, solicitors, businesses, executives and public figures.
Our investigative network includes professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement, intelligence, digital research, behavioural analysis and related fields. Every individual works within our professional framework and in full compliance with UK law.
Yes. We are a fully lawful, GDPR-compliant investigations consultancy. All investigations are conducted within the legal boundaries of the UK, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
