Terms and conditions

By commissioning research and paying the monies agreed as the research budget, you as my client, confirm that you are entering into a contract for my research services under the following terms and conditions.

 

Research

A free initial consultation is offered of up to 1 hour by email exchange, by phone, online video call, or in person to discuss your requirements and what, if any, research has already been done.

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You agree to supply details of what you already know regarding the family/topic to be researched, as thoroughly, accurately and clearly as possible to provide a sound starting point for the research and avoid duplication. I cannot be held responsible for duplicating research findings or obtaining copies of documents already in your possession or knowledge that I have not been made aware of. 

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You understand that fees are charged for the time and costs of the research undertaken, and that the results may prove inconclusive, or the research unsuccessful. Although it is unlikely that I won’t be able to add to the information known and supplied, there is no guarantee of that being possible due to the limitations of surviving historical records. This possibility will be discussed in the initial consultation. Where research is unsuccessful details of the ‘negative’ searches made will be provided as a record of the research completed.

 

Based on the information provided and our initial consultation you will receive confirmation of the agreed scope of the research and the budget for that research. 

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The agreed research budget will cover:

1. My research services chargeable at £30 per hour, including:

   • Office-based preparation and research using online and published resources. This includes time taken to familiarise myself with the research information supplied by the you.

   • Research time spent in examining original sources viewed in, or acquired as copies from, archives.

   • Production of reports and family trees.

2. The expenses incurred to acquire documents copies necessary to carry out the research, such as purchasing birth, marriage and death certificates, copies of wills, photocopying and archive camera charges. All such expenses will be charged at cost.

 

No charge will be made for travel time to Kresen Kernow (Cornwall’s Record Office) or other archives in mid- or West Cornwall undertaken as part of commissions of over £90 (3 hours duration). Shorter visits may incur travel expenses if they cannot be combined with visits for other clients, but these will not be charged without advance consultation with the client.

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If it is necessary or advisable to visit more distant archives incurring additional travel time and expenses, this will only be undertaken after consultation and agreement with the client.

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Payment

Full payment of the agreed research budget as invoiced is required in advance. 

Payment is required in GB Pounds Sterling and should be made by bank transfer using the details given on the invoice. All charges to be paid by the client. Payment by other methods may be possible by agreement.

 

Reports

The outcome of the research is delivered as a written report (and family tree where appropriate) supplied as pdfs or simple printed copies. An additional fee will be charged for any special bindings or formats requested for printed reports and family trees.

Family history research can sometimes reveal details about family members and the lives led by ancestors that you or your family may find unpleasant or distressing. Every effort will be made to cover any such issues sensitively in the report you receive, but I cannot be held responsible for any distress caused by providing a factual account of past events. This possibility will be discussed in the initial consultation.

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Further research can be commissioned and additional budget(s) agreed in the light of report findings and recommendations, but I reserve the right to decline to undertake further research if there is little prospect of a successful outcome.

I will endeavour to deliver reports within the timescale agreed, but where this is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, archive closures or delayed delivery of necessary documents, I undertake to keep you informed of progress.

In the unlikely event that you are not be satisfied with the report or research undertaken I will, of course, attempt to resolve any issues with you.

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As an Associate of AGRA (Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) I have undertaken to abide by their professional Codes of Practice as described on their website https://www.agra.org.uk/about-code-of-practice

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Copyright

Reports and any accompanying pedigrees, chart and transcriptions remain my copyright and should not be published in any form without my written consent.

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Any documents illustrated or included in the report are subject to the copyright of the relevant supplying archive or organisation and were obtained by me acting as your agent, and are included strictly on the basis that the report is provided for personal use only. This means that, whereas factual details extracted from the report (names, dates, places, events, etc) may be shared with family and others, the sharing, redistribution or publication of the full, or any part of, the text of the report or any document shown in it, is prohibited.

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Disclaimer

Historical documents used as sources for research may contain inaccuracies, ambiguities, variant spellings and illegible text. Whereas every effort is made to diligently interpret and verify the information contained in these sources, the factual accuracy of these sources cannot be guaranteed. Reports provided are based on an historical interpretation of the information found during the research undertaken, and the findings and conclusions reached may be subject to change in the light of future new evidence. 

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Privacy notice

Your privacy is important to me and is protected under UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). By commissioning work from me you agree to me holding personal details of you and your family that are required to carry out that commission, be able to communicate with you regarding further research, carry out normal business services and to meet legal and regulatory obligations.

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To this purpose I may collect, store and use the following information on the lawful basis of providing and improving services to my clients and dealing with queries, complaints or claims:

• Information supplied by you, including your name, address, email address and phone number.

• Information gathered in the course of the commissioned research.

• Information regarding visits to my website collected anonymously for analytical purposes.

 

All reasonable efforts are made to keep the information I hold about you secure. However, I cannot guarantee the security of your data while it is transit to me in any form, including by email and via my website contact form.

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I will not rent or sell your personal details to other people or organisations. In the course of research, it may be necessary or advisable to consult other genealogists or experts, but I will only share any of your personal information with any third parties after obtaining your express permission to do so. I will also ask for advance permission should I wish to share client testimonials, or use research commissioned by you as a case study, or in any form of publication that would disclose personal information not in the public domain.  

 

Client information is retained for as long as required for fulfil the commissioned research, offer follow up services and to meet legal and regulatory obligations.

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Under GDPR you have a number of data protection rights, including the right to request a copy of the personal information being held, to limit or complain about how your data is used, and to have your data corrected or erased. For full details of your rights, see the Information Commissioner’s Office website https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/

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If you have any questions or requests concerning how your personal information is handled, please contact me at: