MRS has worked closely with the Government for many years to develop fair, accessible, and transparent research and insight procurement practices. It is frustrating that those processes were not followed in this instance and that this week’s judgement confirmed bias in the Government’s approach. 

The judicial decision in this case is focused on the procurement of the research and not the work undertaken by Public First. It remains best practice to appoint MRS accredited suppliers and Public First is an MRS Company Partner that upholds the ethical and professional standards set out in the MRS Code of Conduct. There is no suggestion that it was unable to fulfil this contract to the highest standards. 

We are pleased, however, that the ruling will put to bed the incredible claim that there was only one agency that could deliver this research project. The UK research, insight and data analytics sector is a world leader in standards, innovation and development that is worth £7 billion to the UK economy and we are immensely proud of the far-reaching and meaningful impact it has had on this country’s pandemic response.

The ongoing support MRS members provide to critical Government projects, including high-profile Covid-19 testing, is just one example of how they #ProveDomWrong on a daily basis.

See also: MRS President Jan Gooding addresses the statements made about the research and insight sector

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