Second MRS one-day Conference supported by LARIA - Delivering good practice research in local government

Date: 22 August 2002

The Market Research Society (MRS) has announced its next one-day conference on 'Delivering Good Practice in Local Government Research' supported by LARIA (Local Authorities Research & Intelligence Association). The aim of the conference is to promote professional standards amongst researchers and research buyers both within and involved with local government.

This one-day conference will cover a range of topics to demonstrate how local authorities, and their partners in the public services, can deliver plans and services by carrying out good practice research, as required by the Modernisation Agenda. The conference is taking place on 26 September, 2002, at the Lakeside Centre, Aston, Birmingham.

A number of high profile speakers will address a selection of key topics, including good practice principles, practical implementation and research methods. Amongst those speaking at the seminar will be Bryan Hall, Research and Intelligence Manager, Cheshire County Council; Juliet Whitworth, Research Officer, Local Government Association; Graham Kelly, Director, BMRB; Estelle Williams, Director, Fathom; and Paul Vittles, Chairman and Managing Director, RBA Research.

Following the presentations in the morning, a series of post-lunch workshops will cover techniques and current issues, run by industry experts. The workshops will provide delegates with the opportunity to discuss and experiment with the practical application of new research methods.

Terry Hanby, Chair of The MRS Conferences and Seminars Advisory Board, commented, "To date, the MRS' new wave of one-day conferences have proved highly successful. We aim to provide excellent value for money, covering a range of leading-edge issues for specific sectors of our profession. Local government policies and practices is a key area of research activity and we look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the country to this important event. This time, we have purposefully scheduled this conference alongside a half-day event on Data Protection, which we feel could be of enormous interest to delegates working in the local authority field plus all others who need to be refreshed on data protection."

The half-day workshop on Data Protection is being held at the Lakeside Centre on Wednesday 25 September. This event, which is being addressed by a number of MRS speakers well-versed in the implications of new data protection legislation for market researchers, aims to keep researchers involved in all sectors of the profession fully up-do-date with the latest guidelines on this issue.

Paul Vittles of LARIA concluded, "We are delighted to once again team up with The MRS. This will be the second time that we have supported an MRS conference on local authority research and we anticipate it being even more successful than the last one. An increasing number of local authority researchers are becoming members of MRS so it is appropriate that The MRS and LARIA work together where possible to allow us all to benefit from a focus on cutting-edge thinking and best practice for this important part of public service."

Delegates who are interested in attending either or both of the seminars should contact Michelle Cecil at The MRS on 020 7566 1873 or by email at training@mrs.org.uk.

Notes for Editors

The Market Research Society (MRS) is the world's largest international membership organisation for professional researchers and others involved or interested in market, social or opinion research.

LARIA was established in 1974 to promote the role and practice of research within the field of local government and provide a supportive network for those conducting or commissioning research.

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