Market Research Participant Recruitment Agency
We are so pleased to announce that Saros Research Ltd has achieved the Market Research Society’s Fair Data accreditation!
This means we have earned the right to display the mark alongside our company branding to confirm that we handle all personal data both fairly and ethically. Needless to say, we are all delighted and proud to display this mark of approval from our UK industry’s professional body, the Market Research Society.
What does MRS Fair Data cover?
The 12 Fair Data principles cover a range of areas, including being open and honest about how we use your data and only using it as you allow. It also covers cyber security considerations such as having the systems we use, regularly checked by cyber security professionals and carrying out due diligence on our suppliers.
How did we achieve the standards required?
Well, it wasn’t instantaneous! We went through a major re-design of our systems, including researching and selecting some different suppliers that better fit our needs. This wasn’t anything to do with Fair Data but it made it possible to build in privacy by design as part of our supplier selection process. One key component of that re-design was signing up with a UK cloud-based IT management organisation, Infinity Group. They oversee our various devices making sure they are up to date and maintained as necessary, amongst other services. We put together a comprehensive set of practical policies to fit our set-up and based on many years of experience of remote working and online recruiting of great market research participants for many different types of clients.
What about cyber security?
We researched and found a reliable cyber security organisation that fit perfectly with the approach of our remote-working team. We chose Hedgehog Cyber Security and, with their help attained Cyber Essentials certification at the end of last year. We have regular security scans carried out on our infrastructure and a full Penetration Test every year. If anything negative shows up, we jump right on it with the help of professional advice to get it resolved asap.
What about the current situation?
In the current COVID-19 crisis, there are lots of stories circulating about the abuse of ordinary people’s information and that can only add stress to a situation few of us have ever experienced before. Looking back over the 20 years Saros has been a market leader in online recruitment, we have always maintained an ethical approach to what we do. This was and is a conscious decision based on the Company culture and our team’s style. Our members trust us with their personal information when they register and for every project questionnaire they complete; we respect and value that trust.
How does having the Fair Data mark work in clients’ interests?
For those who have worked with us before, it will simply reconfirm what they already know. For those who are looking for a recruiter, especially now when on-the-street recruitment just isn’t possible, it’s a mark which represents our dedication to the secure and ethical handling of all data in relation to market research projects. We always work closely with clients to find the best participants to meet their project’s needs and currently there really is no reason why any research that can be done via a telephone or computer can’t go ahead. We can offer active and enthusiastic participants from right across the UK and we will treat their personal data properly.
What about Saros and other standards?
We continue to follow the MRS Code of Conduct, which is specific in how data must be handled. The latest update was finalised towards the end of 2019 and it includes straightforward clauses that clearly reflect the latest data protection legislation. In a nutshell: now, more than ever, we are dedicated to making sure we are doing everything possible to facilitate ethical recruitment and research and secure and safe handing of all data concerned.
If you are interested in Saros recruiting for your research project, contact us here.
