What does the MRS offer its members?
In the competitive world of market research, one name assures you of instant recognition and respect – that of MRS.
MRS is the ‘voice of your profession’. Our role is to represent and communicate good practice in research to the business community, government and the public; to award accreditation and to provide support for our members.
Becoming a member of MRS offers countless benefits, including:
Professional recognition
Progression through the MRS membership grades matches your experience and accomplishments. The main professional grade of Full Member is within the reach of all competent researchers with appropriate experience. The designation MMRS conveys to research users, colleagues, employers and others the attainment of professionalism. Those who make an exceptional contribution to research may be elected as Fellows (FMRS).
Professional standards
All members of the Society must comply with the MRS Code of Conduct which is enforced through a disciplinary process. This is the primary means by which market research remains a self-regulated profession. A range of guidelines and advisory services provide support to members in practical implementation of the Code.
The Code of Conduct embodies the principles of confidentiality and transparency. It provides protection to research users, respondents and to researchers themselves. The Code has the confidence of the business community, government and regulators. It embraces the principles of data protection legislation. Membership of MRS is your way of showing that you subscribe to these ethical and legislative principles.
Professional development
Membership of MRS provides you personally with a lifelong ‘portable’ accreditation of professionalism. This applies regardless of change of employer, location or even occupation within market research or beyond.
MRS supports researchers in their career development through a comprehensive range of recognised qualifications and high-quality vocational development schemes.
In addition MRS members are eligible for substantial discounts on competitively priced training courses, seminars and conferences, which are designed to enhance skills, knowledge and professional ability across a range of disciplines.
Representation to government and media
Research is sometimes overlooked, misunderstood or misrepresented. Through its public affairs and media relations programmes, MRS seeks to ensure that research and the legitimate needs of research practitioners are protected. This is done by articulating the case for market research, providing examples of effectiveness and by lobbying opinion formers and decision makers.
Information
We keep you up to date with what’s happening in market research through a series of publications, as well as access to LitSearch, the MRS literature sourcing service, and collection of books and journals.
Networking opportunities
Sharing experience with other researchers and with those who are users of research brings many rewards. Networking activities, the annual Conference, the Research Awards and many other events yield opportunities to get together.
Encouragement of excellence
Both MRS Conference and the International Journal of Market Research provide a framework for researchers to exchange knowledge, provoke debate, and enhance presentation and communication skills. The related Awards schemes encourage and symbolise the attainment of excellence. MRS Fellowship adds an additional dimension to the Society’s recognition of those who have not only achieved success in their careers, but who have also made outstanding contributions to market research and/or the Society.
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