MRS issues new guidance for undertaking face to face research under new Covid-19 tier restrictions
16 October 2020

Following the issuing of new restrictions across the UK in the last week, MRS has issued new guidance interpreting the restrictions, specifying the implications for face to face data collection in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Some points to note from the new guidance:

• Research is a business activity, not a social activity, as such research practitioners can continue to undertake face to face data collection except in those locations that remain closed as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and those locations that are currently restricted within the MRS guidance (i.e. on the doorstep rather than in-home). Social restrictions on numbers gathering, such as in household bubbles, do not apply for work-based activities such as research.
• Research practitioners must however review projects in very high risk areas and determine if face to face data collection is essential. If not essential, research practitioners must use alternative data collection methods such as online, telephone, mail etc.
• Research practitioners must check whether additional restrictions apply in their area and follow any local lockdown measures which could be imposed.

Download the new guidance

Full details including other issues such as travel, social distancing, facial coverings can be found here in the new guidance.

Click here to download the PDF: Covid-19 Tier Restrictions and Requirements - MRS Guidance Note

The MRS Standards Team are continuing to review and update the MRS guidance as and when required. The existing MRS Covid-19 guidance documents continue to apply supplementing the guidance issued today: 

• Undertaking Safe Face to Face Data Collection
• Undertaking Safe Face to Face Mystery Shopping
• Guidance on Facilities Used for Face to Face Data Collection

If you have any queries about the MRS Code or any of the MRS’ Covid-19 guidance please contact the MRS Standards Team via the MRS Codeline service codeline@mrs.org.uk.