Vacancies

Job Description: Property Searches

We are looking to build a specialised team for property searches in probate cases requires the following:

Ideal Candidate Profile

This position would particularly suit former Armed Forces personnel, Police officers, investigators, security professionals, or individuals with experience working in challenging or cluttered environments while maintaining professionalism and discretion.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• The ability to search properties carefully without disturbing the integrity of the environment.
• An understanding of the importance of legal document recovery, including:
  • Wills
  • Codicils
  • Title deeds
  • Life insurance policies
  • Financial documentation
• The ability to identify items of value, including:
  • Jewellery
  • Cash
  • Antiques
  • High-value electronics
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Physical stamina and resilience, particularly when dealing with hoarded or neglected properties.
• Confidence working on a self-employed basis with ad-hoc, area-specific assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough property searches in probate and estate cases.
• Record and document all items recovered during searches.
• Submit a full end-of-day report to office management, including a detailed log of removed items.
• Ensure all recovered items are securely handled and transported where required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Professional Standards

Candidates must understand that they are often the first non-family individuals to enter a property following a bereavement. Sensitivity, professionalism, and respect are essential.

This includes:

• Treating all properties and personal belongings with care and dignity.
• Discussing findings only with authorised office personnel.
• Never disclosing information to neighbours, unauthorised relatives, or third parties.
• Ensuring the property is properly secured and left in a respectful condition following the search.

Compliance Requirements

The following are non-negotiable:

• Enhanced DBS check
• Background screening
• Signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Remuneration

Payment is provided on a case-by-case basis and will vary depending on the nature, size, and complexity of the assignment.

Location: Remote / Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, or Contract

About the Role

We are seeking a meticulous and passionate Professional Genealogist to join our growing team.

This role is ideally suited to a true “historical detective” — someone who enjoys solving complex ancestral puzzles, navigating archival records, and transforming historical evidence into meaningful narratives.

You will work across a diverse range of cases, including:

• Family history research
• Probate and estate investigations
• Unknown parentage enquiries
• Lineage and heir verification
• Historical and archival analysis

The successful candidate will combine analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent research skills with a genuine passion for genealogy and historical investigation.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Investigation

Conduct detailed genealogical research using:

• Online databases and subscription platforms
• Census, parish, military, probate, and civil records
• Local archives and physical repositories where required

Analysis & Evidence Evaluation

Critically assess the reliability and accuracy of historical sources, resolving conflicting evidence through documentary research and logical analysis.

Report Writing

Prepare professional research reports that are clear, accurate, well-structured, and accessible to clients and stakeholders.

Document Transcription

Accurately transcribe and abstract historical documents, including records containing archaic handwriting, terminology, or formatting.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience

• 1–2 years’ experience in professional genealogical research or a related field such as History, Archives, Library Science, or Historical Research preferred.
• Strong understanding of genealogical methodology and source citation standards.

Technical Proficiency

Experience using leading genealogy software and research platforms, including:

• RootsMagic
• Family Tree Maker
• Ancestry
• FamilySearch
• MyHeritage
• Findmypast

Attention to Detail

Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to maintain accuracy across complex research projects and citation management.

Communication Skills

Strong written communication and storytelling abilities, with the capacity to explain detailed findings clearly to both professional and non-specialist audiences.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration, negotiable based on experience
• Flexible remote or hybrid working arrangements
• Access to premium genealogy databases and research tools
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work on fascinating and meaningful historical cases

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Your CV
• A cover letter outlining your experience and areas of expertise
• Any relevant examples of previous genealogical or historical research work (optional)

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity, inclusion, and the wide range of historical perspectives that enrich the work we deliver to our clients.