Summary of the twelve benchmark standards for MRS full membership

MRS Benchmark Standards provide a standard which individuals can be measured against for eligibility for Certified Membership of MRS.

The Benchmark Standards demonstrate what being an MRS Certified Member means in terms of the competency of practitioners, and the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected at this level. Some of the standards have more weight than others, although all of the standards are important.

Standard 1: Ethical & legal considerations governing the conduct of MRS members

Specification:
You will need to demonstrate your understanding of the relevance of the MRS Code of Conduct to your work. You may have had problems to solve that raised ethical issues, been responsible for ensuring compliance with the MRS Code of Conduct, or had to intervene to ensure that research was conducted according to MRS Regulations and guidelines. This may include managing fieldwork involving hard-to-reach or vulnerable people or on sensitive topics.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of how this standard is applied in their working life.
• be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the MRS Code and its relevance to their work.

Standard 2: Research within its broad political/economic/social/technological context

Specification:
You may have been involved in a research project requiring an understanding of the political, social, economic, or technological context of the research topic or needed to set findings within these contexts. Alternatively, you may have ensured that junior research staff or field teams understood the broader context of a research project.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of how this standard is applied in their working life.
• demonstrate the range of perspectives considered, implications perceived, and depth of understanding.

Standard 3: The role of research in decision making within an organisation

Specification:
You may have used research results to make strategic recommendations regarding products, services, marketing, or planning. You may direct or play a role in a research business or a division within an organisation. Alternatively, you may manage fieldwork or data operations and consider how this fits into the organisational context.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of how this standard is applied in their working life.
• demonstrate an understanding of research's role in organisational decision-making, both tactical and strategic.

Standard 4: Client & supply side relationships

Specification:
Experience might include managing relationships with internal or external clients and suppliers, liaising over respondent complaints, discussing fieldwork or data issues, or engaging with clients pre- and post-fieldwork.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of how this standard is applied in their working life.
• provide examples of relationship-building and explain their importance.

Standard 5: Project management (including planning & use of resources)

Specification:
Experience may include allocating and supervising people, financial and technical resources, data management, and project planning.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of effective planning and resource allocation and their impact on a research project.
• demonstrate their role in resource allocation.

Standard 6: Oral and/or written communication skills

Specification:
You may have delivered presentations, led discussions, or written project briefs, reports, or articles on research and other relevant topics.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of how this standard is applied in their working life.

Standard 7: Awareness & evaluation of research methodologies

Specification:
While detailed knowledge of all research methods is not required, you should demonstrate an awareness of different methodologies and when each is appropriate. Experience might include selecting suitable methodologies, adapting methods, or advising on methodology choice for fieldwork management.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of how this standard is applied in their working life.
• demonstrate a broad or specialist understanding of methodologies to advise non-researchers.

Standard 8: Conducting all or part of a research project

Specification:
You must demonstrate experience within the project lifecycle, whether as a researcher, resource provider, buyer, or manager of research functions, including understanding the stages of the research process.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of their role in research projects.
• show how their part in the research process fit into the overall project.

Standard 9: A nominated specialist area in research

Specification:
The specialist area may include methodologies, sectors, respondent types, or management areas like fieldwork, data processing, business management, or knowledge management.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of specialist knowledge and its application.
• discuss key issues or developments in their specialist area.

Standard 10: Quality assurance in research

Specification:
You need to demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance’s role in research, including experience with relevant quality standards like ISO certifications or internal quality processes.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• demonstrate an understanding of quality control principles.
• provide examples of quality assurance in their work.
• show an understanding of the role of quality standards in research.

Standard 11: Commitment to your own personal & professional development

Specification:
This can include various development formats (e.g., e-learning, conferences, shadowing) related to research or broader skills.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of applying this standard in their working life.
• demonstrate commitment to their own development.

Standard 12: Commitment to the development of others and/or the profession

Specification:
This may include managing others’ development, writing articles, delivering conference papers, or teaching.

Assessment:
A candidate who meets the standard should:

• provide examples of applying this standard in their working life.
• provide evidence of contributing to the development of others.