Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies

The School Of Family History

Ambassador Programme

IHGS Ambassadors | Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies

The IHGS Community

IHGS Ambassador Programme

Help more people discover the pleasure and discipline of genealogy and heraldry. The IHGS Ambassador Programme recognizes students, graduates, and practitioners who share the Institute's work with their communities. With an IHGS education, the opportunities, recognition, and support continue well beyond the classroom.

Become an Ambassador See Program Details
Genealogist working with historical family records

Learn. Discover. Share.

Champion thoughtful research and inspire the next generation of family historians.

Ongoing career support beyond the classroom

The IHGS Ambassador Program is designed to keep your relationship with the Institute moving forward after you complete a course. Instead of ending at graduation, it gives you a formal way to stay connected, represent a respected educational institution, and share your developing expertise with a wider audience.

For emerging and established professionals alike, the role can strengthen your public profile, grow your network, and connect your work to a trusted name in genealogy and heraldry. With membership, recognition, and referral opportunities built in, it is a prestigious next step for people who want their IHGS education to support their career over time.

A Shared Passion

Help grow the IHGS learning community

IHGS ambassadors introduce more people to high-quality, structured education in genealogy and heraldry. They help share the value of careful research, professional standards, and the pleasure of discovering a family's past.

The program offers students, graduates, and established practitioners a meaningful way to support the Institute and connect others with its courses and community.

Meet Our Ambassadors

Sarah Cook, IHGS Ambassador

IHGS Diploma Graduate

Sarah Cook

Sarah recently achieved the Diploma in Genealogy with IHGS and now works as a freelance genealogist and researcher. Her interest began in the early 1980s, when her grandad told her about his Romany Gypsy family. She also volunteers with Midland Ancestors, the Society of Genealogists, and the Romany & Traveller Family History Society.

Kate Blackham, IHGS Student Ambassador

IHGS Student Ambassador

Kate Blackham

Kate is studying Heraldry with IHGS after her adopted father's later connection with his wider biological family sparked an interest in their rare, potentially Germanic surname. Discovering a variant in Burke's Armoury led her to formal heraldry study, and she hopes eventually to pursue the Higher Certificate as well.

The Ambassador Program

IHGS Ambassador Programme Tiers

Four tiers recognise different stages of study, qualification, professional experience, and reach.

Student Ambassador

For current IHGS students

For students enrolled on Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Heraldry courses, with a minimum annual referral target of one successful enrolment.

Qualified Ambassador

For IHGS graduates

For IHGS alumni and qualification holders, with a minimum annual referral target of two successful enrolments.

Senior Ambassador

For experienced practitioners

For lecturers, authors, bloggers, and practitioners with significant reach, subject to IHGS approval and a minimum annual referral target of three successful enrolments.

Honorary Ambassador

By invitation

For distinguished figures in the field, such as officers of arms or society presidents. This tier is available by invitation only.

IHGS Ambassador Programme Benefits

  • A unique referral link or referral code
  • A 10% personal discount on future IHGS courses and shop items
  • Free annual IHGS membership
  • Formal recognition within the IHGS learning community

How ambassadors contribute

Ambassadors represent IHGS professionally, share current courses and content, use their referral link, and help connect new students with the Institute's learning community.

Apply for the Program

Apply Today

IHGS Ambassador Programme Application Form

Thank you for completing the IHGS Ambassador Programme application form. Applications are reviewed within 14 days.

Please provide a short biography of 100–200 words, highlighting your experience in genealogy, heraldry, or related fields.

Provide links to your social media profiles, blog, website, society roles, or other relevant platforms — for example, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, or a personal blog.

Explain your motivation for joining the Ambassador Program and how you plan to promote the Institute. 150–300 words recommended.

If applying for the Senior tier, provide evidence of your reach or influence — for example, social-media follower numbers, speaking engagements, publications, or society positions.

I confirm I have read the Ambassador Program information.

Submitting will open your email application with your application ready to send.

Genealogist holding a stack of family history books

Your Story Starts Here

Where will your research take you?

From a first question about your family's past to advanced study in genealogy or heraldry, IHGS offers structured learning that helps you investigate with confidence.

Find Your Course

Study With IHGS

Every family has a story worth discovering.

Join a community of curious, careful, and committed researchers at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies.

Meet the Experts