New guidelines navigate researchers through data protection minefield

Date: 21 November 2005

This week, MRS and the Social Research Association (SRA) have launched a joint data protection guidance to help social researchers navigate the complexities of the Data Protection Act. Following a simple, step-by-step approach, the guidance applies the Data Protection Act principles to each stage of the social research process – ensuring users understand all implications of the Act. Supported by real-life scenarios, Q&As and practical advice, the guidance is crucial for anybody involved in social research.

Rowland Lloyd, Chairman of the MRS Market Research Standards Board (MRSB), explains: “MRS welcomed the 1998 Data Protection Act for the reassurance it brought to everyone involved in research – from users to researchers and ultimately the general public. The Act strikes a good balance between preventing exploitation of personal data whilst respecting the value of such data in our modern world; society relies on the insights provided by bona fide research studies, and any legislation which gives people the confidence to continue contributing to research studies is vital.”

The guidance was written in consultation with the Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK regulator for data protection legislation. Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner provides a supportive foreword which recognises the benefit of professional bodies developing their own expert, practical legislative guidance.

Peter Mouncey, member of the MRSB and one of the authors of the guidance, continues: “Because of the Data Protection Act’s legal implications, it focuses researchers on improving the overall standards of research – which is what the MRS and SRA set out to do. It is vitally important that all those within research, and those who use its services, meet the legislation’s requirements – and the MRS/SRA guidelines help users to do this.”

Ceridwen Roberts, Chairman of the SRA, concludes: “The guidelines were developed as a result of a joint SRA and MRS working group, with many of the scenarios based on real-life experiences of our members. It is only with the input and support of research practitioners that it is possible to develop guidance which is accessible and practical to our members, and we greatly appreciate the support we have had in ensuring this guidance can continue to drive best practice across social research.”

The MRS/SRA Data Protection Act 1998: Guidelines for Social Research is available to download from either MRS or SRA websites. Published copies of the guidance can also be purchased from SRA at a cost of £10 per copy. For more information on this and other guidance published by MRS and SRA, please visit www.mrs.org.uk/standards/guidelines.htm and www.the-sra.org.uk.

Notes to editors

With members in more than 70 countries, MRS is the world’s largest association representing providers and users of market, social, and opinion research, and business intelligence.
MRS serves both individuals and organisations who identify with its core values of professionalism, excellence, and effectiveness. It has a diverse membership of individual researchers within agencies, independent consultancies, client-side organisations, the public sector and the academic community – at all levels of seniority and in all job functions.
With members in all sectors of the social research community in the UK the SRA works to advance the conduct, development and application of social research and promote quality in social research.
For more information on SRA and its activities visit its website at www.the-sra.org.uk or contact the SRA at 0207 812 0634 or email admin@the-sra.org.uk.

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