Social Inclusion Group: Launch Festival

The MRS Social Inclusion Group (SIG) is a new network for people across the research and communications communities who want to improve the opportunities and amplify the voices of those disadvantaged on the basis of their social background.

READ MORE about the new network from founding chair Steven Lacey here

The MRS SIG Launch Festival will run from 19-23 September with virtual events from 4-4.45pm each day. The themes for each day are below and you can register for free now. More details about speakers will be added soon.

Tuesday 20 September – WORKING CLASS AND THE WORLD OF WORK

Ella Fryer-Smith chairs a panel on recruitment and retention

This session looks at why there is a lack of working class talent within research. What are the barriers to entry into the sector? How can we change the recruitment of candidates? What initiatives can we put in place to maintain their interest and retain their talent?

Panellists:

Caroline Frankum, Global CEO, Kantar - Profiles
Debrah Harding, Managing Director, MRS
Andy Nicholls, Planning Director, VCCP

Tuesday 20 September – RESEARCHING WORKING CLASS AUDIENCES

Annabelle Phillips investigates working with participants from disadvantaged social backgrounds

Leading experts in researching the working class will provide tips and guidance into the best ways to research this audience. How do we address unconscious biases? What are the best methodologies? What are the pitfalls and how can we ensure the results and analysis creates a true and reflective picture?

Panellists:
Jo Arden, Chief Strategy Officer, Ogilvy UK
Konrad Collao, Founder, Craft
Theo Francis, Founder & Director, GuineaPig
Dr Marie-Claude Gervais, Director, The Foundation

Wednesday 21 September – WORKING CLASS REPRESENTATION: FALSEHOODS AND REALITY

Zoe McQuillin chairs a panel on marketing and stereotypes

Representation of the working class in advertising and media often slips into tired tropes and stereotypes. What is a ‘true’ representation of working class and how should this be conveyed? What codes should be reflected? What should media and brands do differently?

Panellists:
Dr Rachel Lawes, Owner, Lawes Consulting
Tom Lindo, Strategy Director, FCB Inferno
Andy Nairn, Founding Partner, Lucky Generals
Dawn Paine, Co-Founder, Aurora and ex-Marketing Director, Universal Pictures and Nintendo

Thursday 22 September – THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Dan Clay chairs a panel looking at the impact of the fall in real income for working class communities

The cost of living crisis will hit all of us, but what does it mean for the working classes? How will it impact people’s lives? What does it mean for policy and brands? How should we research this area ethically?

This event will be followed by an in-person launch party held in Central London. It is principally open to the Festival’s speakers. Any delegates wishing to attend should email networking@mrs.org.uk.

Panellists:
Emma Kenny, Psych Therapist, This Morning and Closer Magazine
Steven Lacey, Owner, The Outsiders and Chair, MRS Social Inclusion Group
Ian Murray, Co-Founder, house51 and board member, STAR PROJECT
Jared Shurin, Strategy Director, M&C Saatchi

Friday 23 September – WORKING CLASS AND ETHNICITY

Shazia Ali chairs a panel discussion on the intersection of working class and ethnic minority experience

How does this intersection play-out? How does it impact people’s lives? What are the barriers and specific cultural codes? How can we ensure that representation in marketing and media showcases this intersection correctly?

Panellists:
Asad Dhunna, Founder, The Unmistakables
Toluwani Farinto, Partner, Utopia
Sania Haq, Head of Research, AudienceNet
Christopher Kenna, Chariman & Founder, Brand Advance Group
Richard Roach , Fight For Peace

You can register for all five webinars via the BOOK NOW link or you can select individual webinars from the drop down on the booking page.

If you prefer to register for this event without creating an account, or to book for somebody else or multiple places, please email networking@mrs.org.uk