Code of Practice

1.	The profession of genealogy calls for scholarly and personal accuracy and integrity; thus the member is obliged to:
	(a)	be honest, scholarly and professional in research and methods
	(b)	be discreet in relations with clients, the public and the profession



2.		Whether employed in independent research or acting in a paid consultative, advisory or assistant capacity, the member must not:
	(a)	engage in exaggerated, misleading or false publicity
	(b)	knowingly publish as fact anything known to be false or unproven, nor be a party to such action by others



3.	In dealings with clients the member must:
	(a)	avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and research
	(b)	offer candid advice concerning the possible or probable results of any projected research
	(c)	make reports as clear and as definite as the facts allow
	(d)	clearly explain, if unable to resolve a client's problems,the reason, and if possible suggest alternative avenues of research.
	(e)	strive to avoid the misquotation of any documents, or the citing as authoritative of any questionable source
	(f)	seek, when appropriate, to examine original sources
	(g)	not conceal or withhold data relevant to a client's instructions
	(h)	respect the confidential nature of a client's work, and not divulge any information concerning a client's family, business or personal affairs without prior consent
	(i)	not publish the results of research for which clients have paid without prior consent
	(j)	declare any personal or financial interest which might tend to compromise impartiality towards a client
	(k)	in the case of contact to be made with relations discovered by research, obtain written guidance from the Secretary
	(l)	if involved in a complaint, co-operate fully with the Association in its investigation



4.	The member must:
	(a)	not knowingly injure or attempt to injure the professional reputation, prospects or practice of any other genealogist or researcher in archives
	(b)	strive at all times to uphold the integrity and reputation of the profession
	(c)	not present another's work as their own
	(d)	not act in a manner detrimental to the best interests of the profession