OUR PROCESS
Our Research Process
Clear. Structured. Client-focused.
From initial written enquiry through review, scope, approval, research, analysis and delivery, each project follows a defined process intended to keep the work clear and proportionate to the research question.
- Written scope
- Source-led research
- Documented delivery
THE RESEARCH JOURNEY
A defined path from enquiry to written follow-up.
The sequence below explains how a research project moves from the information you provide to an agreed scope, source-led investigation and documented delivery.
Submit Your Enquiry
Send a written enquiry with the research question, known information and relevant documents where available.
Document Review
The enquiry and supplied material are reviewed to understand the starting evidence and research requirements.
Clarification if Required
Where necessary, further information is requested in writing before the project scope is prepared.
Scope & Quotation
A written scope and quotation set out the proposed research, relevant limitations and intended deliverables.
Client Approval
You review the proposed scope and quotation and confirm whether you wish the project to proceed.
Payment / Agreement
The applicable payment or project agreement is completed for the approved scope.
Research Begins
Relevant archives, records and documentary sources are identified and examined within the agreed scope.
Evidence Analysis
Evidence is compared, cross-referenced and interpreted in historical context, with uncertainty identified where relevant.
Report Delivery
The agreed findings, report and/or documents are delivered in writing.
Written Follow-Up
Where appropriate, written follow-up provides clarification on the delivered material or a separately scoped next stage.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Research that remains clear about evidence, scope and uncertainty.
The process is designed around a defined research question, documentary evidence and a written account of what the surviving sources support or leave unresolved.
Transparent Communication
The research question, scope, quotation, progress and delivery are handled through clear written communication.
Research Integrity
Findings are based on the surviving evidence, with unsupported conclusions avoided.
Confidentiality
Research questions, documents and correspondence are handled discreetly throughout the project.
Source-Based Analysis
Relevant historical sources are identified, compared and interpreted in their documentary context.
Tailored Scope
Each project is defined around the specific question, available evidence and agreed deliverables.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
A research process designed around secure written exchange.
Our service is designed around written correspondence and secure document exchange. Telephone or video consultations are not required.
BEGIN YOUR RESEARCH
Start with what you already know.
Send the names, places, dates, questions and documents relevant to your research. The enquiry can then be reviewed and, where suitable, a written scope and quotation prepared.