The Australian Market & Social Research Society (AMSRS) – the professional association for market and social research in Australia – has partnered with MRS to introduce the Fair Data accreditation to its members and the wider Australian market. Launched in the UK in 2013, MRS’ Fair Data trust mark helps the public easily identify those organisations which collect, use and retain personal data properly and ethically.  Only those organisations signed up to ten core principles can display the trust mark, and AMSRS is now inviting its members in Australia to sign up to the Australian scheme. All organisations – both public and private sector – which collect and use personal data are encouraged to become accredited as a way to actively demonstrate their commitment to ethical data practices. The full list of Fair Data principles can be found online here.  These principles support and complement the Australian Privacy Principles, data protection legislation and other standards schemes including the AMSRS Code of Professional Behaviour. Australia joins The Netherlands and Singapore – two other major international research markets – which have also adopted the scheme. Jane Frost CBE, CEO of MRS, comments: “Fair Data is about fundamental respect for the people whose data we all rely on for commercial and public purposes: researchers in particular rely on the public’s trust to operate effectively.  We launched the Fair Data trust mark because it is incredibly important that members of the public are able to instantly identify those organisations which take data privacy seriously.  We’re delighted that through our partnership with AMSRS a growing number of consumers in Australia will now also have that reassurance.” Elissa Molloy, CEO of AMSRS, says: “AMSRS has an important role in educating the public on why research is important and how they can protect themselves when participating.  We have adopted Fair Data because its principles set the highest ethical standards and meet or exceed international regulations.  This is important as Australian companies operate in a global market in a digital world where the collection, use and storage of data crosses borders.” Ends Notes to Editors About MRS
  • The UK is the world’s second largest research market.
  • With members in more than 60 countries, MRS is the world’s leading research association.
  • It has a diverse membership of individuals at all levels of experience and seniority within agencies, consultancies, support services, client-side organisations, the public sector and the academic community.
  • MRS represents 80% of research agencies who commit to, and are regulated by, the MRS Code of Conduct to ensure professional and ethical research of the highest standard of excellence.
  • In 2013 MRS launched the Fair Data trust mark that demonstrates which organisations handle their customers’ personal data fairly.
  • MRS is the global leader in research qualifications and training.
  • Winners of the Launch of the Year prize at the International Content Marketing Awards 2013 for ImpactMagazine, the quarterly publication of the Market Research Society and sister title to Research-live.com.
About AMSRS
  • The Australian Market & Social Research Society Limited (AMSRS) is the peak body for research professionals in Australasia.
  • AMSRS research professionals commit to and are regulated by the AMSRS Code of Professional Behaviour. AMSRS leads the world in the development and implementation of ISO and quality standards designed specifically for the market and social research industry.
  • AMSRS offers training, professional development and accreditation programs for research professionals within agencies, consultancies, client-side organisations, the non-profit and government sectors, institutions and academics in the Asia Pacific region.
  • AMSRS links together research providers in emerging markets and co-ordinates an annual Asia Pacific Research Conference representing 12 research associations, and their members, in the APAC region.
  • AMSRS is a founding member of the Global Research Business Network (GRBN) that links 45 research associations globally.
 For further information, please contact: Emma Molton / Harriet Crosby Camargue +44 (0)20 7636 7366 emolton@camargue.uk / hcrosby@camargue.uk  

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