Face-to-face research: an important update from MRS
13 September 2020

Throughout the summer MRS has been expanding its safe working face to face data collection guidance and updating the existing guidance where necessary. We have been monitoring the MRS Codeline service and have noted an increase in queries from practitioners about when in-home face to face data collection can resume. 

In the light of the government’s new instructions on gatherings MRS continued advice is that face to face data collection can only take place on the doorstep, with suitable social distancing measures, and not in people’s homes. Whilst we recognise that some of the lockdown measures have been eased, we believe that the current restriction, of on the doorstep, should remain in place. This position has been reinforced by the evolving situation in the UK, particularly the recent increase in infection rates, the increasing number of local lockdowns and the continued uncertainty of what the autumn and winter may bring.  We will continue to monitor this situation and should the advice change we will contact you.

In the meantime, the MRS Standards Team are continuing to expand the MRS guidance and are currently finalising guidance on undertaking safe face to face data collection with children. We will let you know when this guidance is finalised. There are three other MRS guidelines available to help you when undertaking face to face activities:

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

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

Kind regards,

Jane Frost, CBE

CEO