​Terms of Business

This page sets out my terms of business, so that you know what to expect if you hire me.

Preliminary information

  • I need to have all the information you already possess before research begins.
  • Please share everything you know at this stage, as I don't want to waste your money going over old ground.

Research agreement

  • I will draw up a research agreement, setting out the research objectives and the budget for work and expenses
  • It will be emailed for your approval and electronic signature, using Adobe Sign.
  • Work will start once the agreement has been signed.

Unsuccessful research

  • It is impossible to predict whether research will produce the desired results.
  • Because I put in the work, I have to charge for the time spent, even if I draw a blank. 

Unexpected results

  • Research may reveal unexpected and potentially upsetting information about your ancestors.
  • Many families have a skeleton in their closet and I have blogged about my own black sheep.
  • DNA testing may uncover family secrets in recent generations.
  • Professional ethics require me to report such information if I find it. 
  • ​Before commissioning research, please consider these issues carefully.

Copyright

  • Under English law, copyright in my research report belongs to me.
  • I am happy for clients to share my work privately with family and friends.
  • Please seek my agreement if you want to publish what I have written in any form, including online. 

Payment

  • My preferred method of payment is by direct bank transfer, using the bank details on my invoice.
  • Clients outside the UK can pay in their own currency using TransferWise or PayPal.
  • All currency exchange fees must be paid by the client. 

Professional standards

  • I am a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG) and have undertaken to abide by their Professional Code.
  • In the unlikely event of a complaint, the RQG's Resolution Procedure will be initiated, overseen by an RQG Director.

Data protection

  • I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under the Data Protection Act, registration reference Z3618532.