Rutland County Council telephone: 01572 722 577 Catmose fax: 01572 758 307 Oakham email:
[email protected] Rutland web: www.rutland.gov.uk LE15 6HP DX: 28340 Oakham 22 December 2016 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST – 1412/16 Dear Sir/Madam Your request for information has now been considered and the information requested is provided below. Request/Response: 1. Does the council use a genealogy firm or tracing agents? Answer: Yes a. Is this firm or agent regulated? Answer: There is no formal regulatory body for genealogists. The firm that we use therefore uses a number of methods to ensure that they maintain high standards within the industry. The firm has its own conduct code and all of its case managers are members of the APG (Association of Professional Genealogists) (www.apgen.org) which likewise has a code of ethics or they or members of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAAPR) (www.iappr.org). The organisation also has a number of accreditations including ISO 27001/2013 Information Security and ISO 9001 Quality Management. In addition, the organisation has an in house Expert Witness, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for its indemnity insurance business and is a member of the Professional Association of Legal Services (PALS) (www.thepals.org.uk). b. i. Did you select the genealogy firm or tracing agents through a tendering process? Answer: No – tender process was not applicable. ii. If yes, are you able to provide a copy of the winning tender application? Answer: Not Applicable c. For what reason would you require the services of a genealogy firm or tracing agents? Answer: To trace relatives where a resident dies within the County with no known next of kin.