Service T&Cs

(Effective April 2025)

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of genealogy services by Dean Kirby / Manchester Family History (“The Researcher”) to The Client (“you”). By commissioning The Researcher’s services or enrolling in any of The Researcher’s educational offerings, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Scope of Work

The services offered may include, but are not limited to:

Ancestral research
Family tree development
Archival document searches
Historical context research
Ancestral tours (planning, consulting, or guiding)
Genealogy mentoring and coaching
Online courses and educational materials

A legally binding agreement is formed once The Researcher confirms acceptance of your commission in writing (including email), or when you make payment for any services or course.

The specific scope of services will be detailed in writing before the project begins. Any changes must be agreed upon in writing by both parties.

3. Fees and Payment

Research, tours, and mentoring are billed as agreed and confirmed in writing.
Online course fees are as listed on third-party ticketing sites or promotional materials.
A deposit may be required for custom work.
Final payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date.

Late payments may incur interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (currently 8% plus the Bank of England base rate), along with reasonable recovery costs.

4. Turnaround Time

Timelines vary depending on the complexity and scope of the work. Delays may occur due to record availability, third-party services, or technical issues, and The Researcher will keep you informed.

5. Ancestral Tours

The Researcher may assist with tour planning but is not a licensed travel agent.
These services are not package holidays as defined by travel regulations.
You are responsible for all travel bookings, accommodation, insurance, and documentation.
The Researcher accepts no liability for travel-related incidents, delays, or disruptions.

6. Genealogy Mentoring & Online Courses

Tailored to your experience level and research goals.
Materials and recordings are for personal, non-commercial use only.
Copyright remains with The Researcher.
No guarantee of outcomes or discoveries is provided.

7. Accuracy and Limitations

You are responsible for the accuracy of any research you provide.
Duplicate discoveries caused by undisclosed information will still be billed.
Genealogical research is subject to record availability and historical accuracy.
Searches may return negative results, which are still considered part of the research process.
The Researcher cannot guarantee discovery of specific individuals or facts.

8. Confidentiality

All personal data will be handled confidentially.
No information about living individuals will be disclosed in any public context.
The Researcher may use anonymised results for academic or educational purposes unless you opt out in writing.
Any permission to publish extracts (e.g. on social media or the website) will be requested separately.

9. Use of DNA

DNA services are governed by the provider’s terms.
The Researcher is not liable for data privacy or outcomes from third-party testing.

10. Cancellations and Refunds

You have 14 calendar days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
If services begin within the cancellation period, you may be charged for work completed.
Cancellations must be in writing.
Deposits reflect preparatory work and may be partially refundable at The Researcher’s discretion.
No refunds for completed mentoring sessions or digital content.
Online course refunds follow the third-party ticket provider’s policy.
The Researcher reserves the right to decline or cancel instructions where appropriate.

Your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 remain unaffected.

11. Additional Expenses

Travel outside the Manchester area is billed at 45p/mile (HMRC rate).
GRO certificate fees are passed on at cost.
Any other expenses (e.g. archive permits) require your prior approval.
Reports are delivered as PDFs; hard copies can be supplied at extra cost if requested.

12. Limitation of Liability

Liability is limited to the amount paid for services.
The Researcher is not liable for indirect or consequential damages.
Documents are provided “as is”; The Researcher does not accept responsibility for errors in historical records.

13. Ownership and Copyright

All materials are for personal, non-commercial use only.
Copyright remains with The Researcher unless otherwise agreed.
Materials may not be published or distributed without permission.
Certificates obtained on your behalf remain the Crown’s copyright, but you own the physical copies.

14. Acceptance

By using The Researcher’s services or attending any course or event, you confirm that you understand and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

15. General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Data is processed on the basis of contractual obligation and legitimate interest.
You may request access, correction, or deletion of your data.
Data is stored securely and retained for at least five years in line with legal requirements.
You confirm that any third-party data provided has been obtained lawfully.

16. Professional Standards

The Researcher abides by the AGRA Code of Practice.
The Researcher holds professional indemnity insurance appropriate for genealogical work.

17. Complaints

If you’re dissatisfied, The Researcher will try to resolve the issue promptly.
If unresolved, you may follow the AGRA complaints procedure on their website.

18. Force Majeure

The Researcher is not liable for service delays caused by events beyond their control, including illness, natural disaster, government restrictions, or unavailability of records.

19. Governing Law and Entire Agreement

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be resolved in this jurisdiction.

This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior communication.