Celebrating survival
20 May 2021

Elaine Francis FMRS

I founded Criteria Fieldwork 25 years ago and, whilst the last twelve months have been some of the most challenging we’ve seen in the sector, they have also presented great opportunities to adapt and diversify. So, it seems more important than ever that research and insight businesses take advantage of the various awards MRS offers to let the world know that they have emerged from the pandemic with stories to tell.

This year I have the added excitement of being one of the judges for the Oppies for the first time and I am particularly interested to see how teams have worked together to overcome multiple obstacles whilst also treating their partners and colleagues with sensitivity and respect. 

Operational teams have been severely tested by Covid-19. Those that have performed well have displayed a number of defining characteristics; diligence and reassurance in timely communications, a commitment to quality standards, confidentiality and data security, innovation and agility. Excellent operational delivery has never been more vital, not just in terms of methods and modes of data collection, but also in terms of practical, technological and let’s not forget, emotional support.

I’m delighted that it looks like the MRS Excellence Awards lunch will be going ahead on 17 September, the Operations Awards party will happen on 23 September and the Awards Dinner will return to Old Billingsgate on 6 December, as once again Criteria are the only company sponsoring all three events and I can’t wait to get dressed up and see everyone there to celebrate our survival!

Enter the Oppies by 31 May

Enter the MRS by 5 July

Read more about the latest MRS Gold Medal and Fellows