Choosing a Member to Help You

Please note that the Association does not undertake research work.

Approaching a member

To employ a member you should first look at the "Find a researcher" page to select a member who offers research in the part of the country in which you want the research to be done or the subject you want researched e.g. military history. You should write, or email, to them, setting out what you want to be done, stating clearly the relevant known facts. For example, in genealogical cases, full names, dates and places of birth, marriage and death, addresses and occupations, etc.

You should enclose a stamped addressed envelope (if you live in the United Kingdom) or three International Reply Coupons if you live abroad.

Remember to mention AGRA when writing.

How much will I have to pay?

Members’ fees vary, but are likely to be based upon an hourly rate for the time spent (including the giving of advice) to which must be added the cost of disbursements (photocopies, church and Government fees, etc.). Most researchers will be prepared to give an estimate for searching within a limited number of specific records, but in more open-ended cases the researcher will probably ask you to set an approximate limit upon the amount of money you wish to spend in the first instance (e.g. £50, £100, £200). In such cases you should be prepared to pay in advance. When the researcher has exhausted the amount he or she will report to you fully on the success of the case, giving details of any problems encountered, and will probably suggest further avenues of research for you to consider. You then decide whether or not to commission further research.

Once a genealogist or researcher in archives has agreed to carry out research it is in your own interest to ensure the member has all the relevant information possible, distinguishing between what is certain and provable and what is only traditional, thus ensuring that the researcher does not have to spend time establishing facts that you knew already.

Professional competence

Members of AGRA, apart from having proved their professional competence upon application, agree to comply with the following Code of Practice, which stresses the need for a high standard of work as well as complete confidentiality.

A Complaints Procedure is also administered by the Association.