PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT CODE & CODE OF ETHICS

Ensuring Standards and Ethics Are Met

All companies who are members of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers, Genealogists & Heir Hunters agree to follow these Codes at all times. Any member found in breach of these Codes may be excluded from the Association.

Companies may operate their own individual Codes which may differ in wording from the IAPPR Codes below. However, they will have agreed to the Codes below in addition to having their own existing Codes.

Professional Conduct Code

IAPPR Member Companies and their staff must:

  1. Behave with integrity and sensitivity when dealing with members of the public.
  2. Ensure charges and fee structures are clear to the client or consumer from the outset.
  3. Take special care when dealing with potentially vulnerable clients, in particular with regard to their mental capacity and properly assess whether a client has capacity, seeking 3rd party advice and/or referring to any relevant law in each jurisdiction.
  4. Ensure all logos or testimonials used on the company website or within its advertising are genuine and used only with the permission of those concerned.
  5. Ensure all beneficiaries, clients or their representatives and members of the public are always treated fairly, courteously and with respect, regardless of race, gender, colour, creed, age or sexual orientation.
  6. Present all reports in a clear and concise manner.
  7. Identify and report any other members who breach this Code.
  8. Staff of member companies must not use any information for personal gain. Where there is a conflict of interest, they must disclose this.

Code of Ethics

IAPPR members must:

  1. Operate an environmental policy.
  2. Sponsor or donate to a registered charity/charities at least annually.
  3. Ensure staff are trained in ethical standards and made aware of the IAPPR Codes.
  4. Not indulge in any form of harassment or intimidation of other professionals or members of the public.
  5. NOTE: If any director, partner or official of any company, past or present, has a criminal record or conviction at any time  or has been declared bankrupt they will be excluded from IAPPR or refused membership. Members are required to declare their standing on application to join the IAPPR.