ASSOCIATION OF POLISH PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGISTS

Association of Polish Professional Genealogists brings together genealogical firms that carry out their research in current and historical areas of Poland. The organization was founded on the basis of shared experiences of professional genealogists, cooperating with each other for a long time. It constitutes an answer to the need to find one’s own roots in the lands related to Poland by people who seek professional help, fair deals and professional services.

In their daily activities all our members are guided by high ethical and business standards contained in Professional Genealogist’s Code of Ethics. It is an organization which is the only one of its kind in Poland. It makes every effort to ensure that its members constantly improve their competences in conducting genealogical searches and have the opportunity to exchange experiences.

Association of Polish Professional Genealogists was established in May 2019 by seven professional genealogists: Joanna Lubierska-Lewandowska, Aleksandra Kacprzak, Grzegorz Biłos, Lucjan Cichocki, Alan Jakman, Michał J. Marciniak and Mariusz Michalak.

PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST’S CODE OF ETHICS

The code of ethics of a professional genealogist contains ethical principles and values that set the standards of conduct that should be followed by the profession of genealogists. Respect for these values and compliance with the rules serves to shape proper professional relationships of genealogists both in contacts with clients and the entire genealogical community. The principles collected here are intended to set high ethical standards, and thus to care for the good name of the Association and its members.

PRINCIPLES THAT EACH PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST SHOULD FOLLOW

1. Follow the applicable law, especially in the field of copyright, consumer rights and personal data protection.
2. In all situations, treat your customers with respect, stick to the agreed deadlines and deliver your promises.
3. Present the offer of performed services in a transparent manner, based on individual arrangements with the client.
4. Base your research primarily on direct sources.
5. Present the results of the research in a legible, orderly manner, with clear argumentation and references to sources.
6. Avoid over-interpreting and deliberately drawing wrong conclusions from available sources.
7. Constantly work on upgrading your qualifications by acquiring knowledge and skills.
8. Advertise your services in a fair and honest manner.
9. Avoid unfair competition and conflicts of interest.
10. Follow the principles of mutual respect towards other genealogists, archive employees and other institutions.
11. Promote the good name of the genealogical community.
12. Support initiatives that protect sources used for genealogical research and allow universal access to them.