Code of Ethics and Professional Practices

I agree to:

1. Communicate genealogical work in a clear, well-organized manner using evidence from reliable and fully cited sources, giving proper credit to work that is not my own, without withholding or knowingly misrepresenting sources or data;

2. Represent my abilities, credentials and services accurately, and avoid the use of misleading or exaggerated statements;

3. Engage in sufficient continuing education to maintain competence and comply with applicable requirements;

4. Prepare and abide by written agreements regarding scope, timeframes, deliverables, fees, expenses, payment structures, ownership and disclosure while keeping the client informed of progress or delays;

5. Disclose potential conflicts of interest;

6. Take appropriate measures to safeguard information concerning living people, to maintain confidentiality of data, research, and client communications, and to obtain informed consent before using or publicly sharing information;

7. Comply with terms of service, privacy policies, laws and regulations, and applicable rules and guidelines, including those concerning copyright, privacy, data protection, and business practices, and refrain from encouraging others to violate them;

8. Refrain from mutilating or rearranging records or removing them from their proper custodians;

9. Refrain from soliciting established clients of another researcher through denigration or other improper means;

10. Treat other genealogists, genealogical organisations, and the profession with civility and respect, engaging in fair criticism while refraining from statements that malign or purposely injure.