Genealogy has become increasingly popular in the UK, thanks in part to TV shows like Who Do You Think You Are? and the growing availability of online records. Many people dive into the world of family history as a hobby, tracing their ancestry back through the centuries. However, there is a distinct difference between those who pursue genealogy as a hobby and professional genealogists who offer services to the public. This article explores the main differences between professional genealogists and hobbyists in the UK, highlighting their qualifications, skills, and the services they provide.
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Qualifications and Training
Professional Genealogists:
Professional genealogists in the UK often have formal qualifications, training, and certifications that distinguish them from hobbyists. Many professionals pursue courses and qualifications through respected institutions. These organisations provide comprehensive training in the methodologies, standards, and ethics of genealogy.
Additionally, professional genealogists may hold certifications such as those from the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). These certifications indicate a level of expertise, ensuring that the genealogist adheres to recognised standards of practice and ethics.
Moreover, genealogy is very much a full time job for professionals. The level of ability and knowledge only strengthens with experience. After solving thousands of cases, professional genealogists would have encountered every scenario to solve future cases.
Hobbyists:
Hobbyist genealogists, on the other hand, may not have formal training or qualifications. Instead, they learn through experience, online courses, workshops, or self-study. While they may possess some ability and passion for family history, hobbyists typically do not undergo the rigorous training or certification processes that professionals do. Their knowledge may be more specialised in certain areas, such as local records or specific surname studies, but it may lack the breadth or professional grounding seen in formally trained genealogists.
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Research Skills and Methodologies
Professional Genealogists:
Professionals are trained to use advanced research techniques and a wide variety of sources, including archives, parish records, wills, land deeds, and military records. They are skilled in analysing and interpreting historical documents and can navigate complex records systems like those of the National Archives, local record offices, and other specialist repositories. Professional genealogists also have access to numerous resources not readily available to the public. Such resources can only be entrusted to professionals due to data protection and GDPR. This gives professionals access to far more data for their research.
A key aspect of professional genealogy is adherence to the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), a set of guidelines that ensures the accuracy and reliability of genealogical research. Professional genealogists are trained to build well-documented family trees, verifying each connection with evidence and ensuring that the information provided is as accurate as possible.
Hobbyists:
Hobbyists may rely heavily on online resources such as Ancestry.co.uk, Findmypast, and other genealogical databases. While these platforms are invaluable tools, hobbyists may not have the same level of access to physical archives and specialist repositories as professionals do. As a result, their research might be limited to what is available digitally.
While many hobbyists develop research skills over time, they may not always follow formal genealogical standards or practices. Their approach may be more casual, and they might not document sources as rigorously as professionals. This can sometimes lead to errors or unsupported family connections, especially when relying on unsourced online trees or incomplete records.
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Ethical Standards and Code of Conduct
Professional Genealogists:
Professional genealogists in the UK are bound by strict ethical standards. Associations like IAPPR (International Association of Professional Probate Researchers) require members to adhere to a Code of Conduct, which ensures that professionals work with integrity, confidentiality, and transparency. This is particularly important when dealing with sensitive or controversial information, such as illegitimacy, adoption, or criminal history within a family tree.
A professional’s reputation depends on their commitment to delivering accurate and ethical research. They must disclose limitations in their findings and provide clients with clear, honest reports. Professional genealogists also carry public liability insurance and, in some cases, professional indemnity insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in case of disputes.
Hobbyists:
Hobbyists, by contrast, are not bound by professional ethical guidelines. They may share family history information more freely, often posting it on public platforms or social media. While most hobbyists aim to be accurate and ethical, the lack of professional oversight means they are not held accountable in the same way that professionals are. This can sometimes lead to privacy issues or the sharing of sensitive information without consent.
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Services and Client Relationships
Professional Genealogists:
Professional genealogists offer a range of services beyond building family trees. They often specialise in areas such as probate genealogy, heir hunting, DNA analysis, or tracing lost relatives. Professionals may also provide document transcription, translation services (for old Latin or French documents, for example), and expert witness testimony in legal cases.
Professional genealogists build relationships with clients, ensuring they understand the client’s goals and providing regular updates on progress. They are skilled in writing detailed reports, to provide clients with a clear and transparent view of their family history. Due to professional genealogist often working on intestacy estates, there is more to the job that just genealogy. They also handle the entire estate including obtaining all documentation, gathering all assets and handling and selling any properties involved. Once all is complete, professional genealogists will distribute the estate the heirs they have traced.
Hobbyists:
Hobbyists usually focus on their own family history or assist friends and relatives informally. While some may offer their skills to others, they typically do not operate on a commercial basis or provide the same breadth of services as professionals. Hobbyists may not have the resources to access paywalled records or visit archives regularly, so their ability to undertake more complex research may be limited.
Additionally, hobbyists may not provide formal reports or detailed analysis, as they often research for personal enjoyment rather than as a professional service. However, many hobbyists contribute significantly to the genealogical community, sharing information and volunteering with organisations like local family history societies or online transcription projects.
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Costs and Financial Considerations
Professional Genealogists:
Professional genealogists charge fees for their services, which can vary based on their expertise, qualifications, and the complexity of the research. Costs are often determined on a percentage basis to avoid asking clients for any money directly. These fees cover not only the professional’s time but also their access to specialised resources, archival fees, and handling intestacy cases entirely.
Hobbyists:
For hobbyists, genealogy is usually a passion rather than a profession. While some might spend considerable amounts on subscriptions to databases or travel for research, they do not charge for their services. This makes hobbyist genealogy more accessible and affordable, but it may come with limitations regarding the depth and accuracy of the research provided.
Conclusion
The distinction between professional genealogists and hobbyists in the UK is marked by qualifications, research skills, ethical standards, the broad services offered, and financial considerations. While both contribute significantly to the field of genealogy, professionals bring a level of expertise, accuracy, and accountability that hobbyists may not possess. For individuals seeking in-depth or specialised research, especially with cases of intestacy, where heirs need to be traced, hiring a professional genealogist is often the best option. If you seek help from professional genealogists, please contact us today.
