1. Foreword

This code sets out the general principles of ethical conduct by which Title Research and all our staff will be bound in our work throughout the world.

The principles recognise that the activities of genealogists are professional in nature and that the professional activities of genealogists impose four specific duties on practitioners, ie to serve:

• the public interest
  
• the client or employer
  
• the good name of the profession of genealogy
  
• the individual genealogist or firm

2. The Public Interest

• To ensure that only persons with a proven entitlement to unclaimed funds are reported as claimants by the genealogist.
  
• To know and act in compliance with the applicable law of the jurisdictions in which the genealogist is working.
  
• To recognise the obligation of fair treatment of individuals and groups in matters concerning their human rights.

3. Responsibility to the Client or Employer

• To accept only those assignments which the genealogist is qualified and able to carry out.
  
• To provide and agree written terms of reference and other conditions with the client prior to the start of any assignment and to keep the client informed of progress throughout the assignment.
  
• To disclose any personal or financial interest or other significant circumstances which might influence the work for that client in any way not stated or implied in the terms of reference.
  
• To negotiate agreements and charge for services only in a manner generally considered to be ethical, professional and fair.
  
• To carry out professional work that meets the requirements of the client or employer, on time and in accordance with the terms or a budget that has been agreed and to give earlier notification to the client or employer if such requirements are unlikely to be fulfilled.
  
• Not to offer or provide any inducement to a third party in return for the introduction of business from a client unless there is full disclosure of the facts to that client.
  
• Not to improperly disclose or authorise the disclosure of confidential information gained in the course of professional work, except with the prior written permission of the client or the employer, and not to make wrongful use of that information for personal gain or for any other purpose.

4. Responsibility to the Profession of Genealogy

• To protect the reputation of genealogy and to promote improvement in the standard of the profession and avoid action that would adversely affect the good standing of the profession.
  
• To advance public knowledge and the appreciation of genealogy and wherever possible to counter false or misleading statements detrimental to the profession.
  
• To encourage professional development and support for fellow practitioners and to provide opportunities supporting the development of new entrants to the profession.
  
• To act with integrity towards fellow practitioners and to members of other professions who may be engaged in related work and to avoid any activity which is incompatible with professional status.

5. The Individual Genealogist or Firm

• To conduct the practice of genealogy in all respects in accordance with this Code of Practice.
  
• To upgrade personal professional skills and awareness of developments in the practice of genealogy.
  
• To accept professional responsibility for work performed including the work of subordinates and associates under the genealogist's direction, and not to terminate a professional assignment except for good reason and with reasonable notice.
  
• To avoid situations giving rise to a conflict of interest and to make full disclosure to clients, in advance, of any such conflict of interest that may arise.
  
• Not to invite any employee of the client to consider alternative employment.
  
• Not to practice during a period when the individual's judgement is, or might be, impaired through any cause.
  
• To protect and enhance the integrity of the profession and act responsibly in criticism of the profession.
  
• To represent accurately his or her own qualifications, experience and capability and those of colleagues.
  
• To respect the rights of others and, in particular, not to accept instructions that are discriminatory.