Policy

We work to maintain fair and open access to public data while ensuring that data is robust and fit for purpose and that the rights of the citizen are protected.

• MRS Submission to Political Polling and Digital Media Committee - Call for Evidence (31 August 2017)
• Science and Technology Committee – Response to Consultation on Institute of Government Evidence Base (2016)
• ICO Anonymisation Code of Practice
• Scottish Data Sharing Consultation
• Commission consultation on re-use of public sector data
• Electoral Registers – proposed Changes to the edited register
• Research Councils UK consultation on the Code of Conduct and Policy on Governance of Good Research
• UK Statistics Authority consultation on the Code of Practice
• Sharing of personal information in the public and private sectors
• Freedom of Information Act 2000: Designation of additional public authorities
• HM Treasury Consultation document: Independence for statistics
• Research Councils UK – Response to Draft Concordat on Open Research Data (2015)

We represent the interests of research business in the UK and Europe, lobbying for better enforcement of unfair commercial practice legislation to combat selling under the guise of research (‘sugging’). We also work to develop better public procurement frameworks, to ensure a better deal for researchers.

• BIS – Response to consultation on protection for micro-businesses (2016)
• Welsh Government – Response to Consultation on Public Procurement (2016)
• Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) inquiry into public procurement
• Scottish Procurement Reform Bill
• Selling more for Britain – SME Exports
• Response to the Green Paper on the modernisation of EU public procurement policy
• Report on the application of Directive 2005/29/EC on Unfair Commercial Practices (UCPD)
• OFT consultation on developing the use of ‘established means’
• Prize Competitions and Free Draws
• Consultation on implementing the EU Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices and Amending Existing Consumer Legislation
• BIS – Response to Consultation on Late Payment (2015)
• Scottish Government – Response to Consultation on Public Procurement (2015)
• BIS – Response to Call for Evidence on Purchasing Goods and Services (2015)
• Scottish Government – Response to Consultation on Proposals for a Lobbying Transparency Bill (2015)
• Public Administration Select Commitee - Submission to Inquiry on Fundraising in the charitable sector (August 2015)

Modern means of communications such as email and telephone are tightly regulated. Our work is to ensure that research can operate on a fair and level playing field.

• Ofcom – Response to review of how we use our persistent misuse powers (2016)
• Department for Business Innovation & Skills consultation: Implementing the Revised EU Electronic Communications Framework
• Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service(2010)
• Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service (2008)
• Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service (2006)
• Submission to Which? task force on consent and lead generation in the direct marketing industry
• Submission to the PECR 2003 Consultation, Telecoms Policy Team, Department for Culture, Media & Sport