Changing Demand Prompts New MRS Code
October 3 2005
The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) is renewing its Code of Conduct for the first time in six years, in an attempt to 'bring further clarity to market, social and opinion research professional standards'. Alterations include new and clearer definitions, and increased guidance on the analysis of research findings.
The new Code, effective from 1st December, incorporates all the existing guideline rules issued to MRS members in recent years, and therefore should not mean major changes to working practices. Changes include:
- Addition of the eight ESOMAR principles
- A new section on 'Analysis and Reporting of Research Findings'. The majority of the reporting rules were in the Code consultation document sent out to MRS members in October 2004.
- Updated data protection advice.
- Addition of, and advice on, a new rule regarding the need for contracts.
- Re-writing of MRS members' responsibilities regarding working practices and research methodologies.
- Inclusion of definitions for Company Partner, confidential research, consultant, interviewer, member, mystery shopping, the profession, publication, recruiter, responsible adult and sub-contractor.
- Clearer definitions for records and respondent.
The Code also makes reference to the soon-to-be-released regulations guiding use of research techniques for non-research purposes.
Rowland Lloyd, Chairman of the MRS MR Standards Board, says a new Code was necessary to reflect the changes to the regulatory and business environment, and the changing demands for research services. He describes the new document as 'a crucial document for anyone wanting to conduct a professional, responsible and reliable research study'.
Debrah Harding, Director of Policy and Standards and Deputy Director General at the MRS, says the organisation consulted its members throughout the redrafting proceess, to make sure the Code 'gives users everything they could need - whilst also protecting the general public'.
More details are online at
www.mrs.org.uk/standards/codeconduct.htm.
All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.
