Privacy Policy & Professional Code of Ethics

1.1 Principles of Data Collection

Kester Ancestral Research operates in strict compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We collect personal information solely for the purpose of fulfilling your commissioned genealogical research, verifying ancestral lineages, and designing bespoke heirloom diagrams.

Personal data provided via our onboarding forms (including names, contact details, ancestral dates, and DNA information) is processed on the legal basis of contractual necessity and explicit client consent.

1.2 Safeguarding Living Persons' Data

Genealogical research frequently encounters records of living relatives. In accordance with data privacy laws, we apply a strict 100-year privacy rule: no personally identifiable information (PII) regarding living individuals is published, shared, or displayed without their explicit prior written authorization.

2. Client Ownership & Copyright

Your Family Data Remains Yours: All research dossiers, transcribed documentation, and digital GEDCOM databases produced during your commission become your personal property upon settlement of invoices.

Research Reports & Pedigrees: All client deliverables, including compiled biographical dossiers and verified pedigree charts, are provided for your family's perpetual personal and non-commercial archival use.

3. Professional Code of Ethics & Sensitive Discoveries

Historical records occasionally reveal unforeseen family events, such as non-paternity events (NPEs), undisclosed adoptions, or criminal proceedings. Our ethical pledge guarantees:

• ◆ Absolute Discretion: We will never disclose sensitive discoveries to third parties.
• ◆ Prior Consultation: If unexpected or delicate parentage records are identified, we discuss delivery preferences with you prior to issuing the written dossier.
• ◆ Anti-Fabrication Pledge: We will never fabricate or force a connection to fit a preconceived narrative. Every finding must withstand the scrutiny of the Genealogical Proof Standard.

4. Your Rights Under UK Data Protection Law

You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, request rectification of inaccurate records, or request the deletion of your consultation logs at any time by contacting our data protection officer at privacy@kester-genealogy.co.uk.