Australia – Merger Recommended for Research Industry Peak Bodies

The Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS) has recommended that its members vote in support of a merger with the Association of Market & Social Research Organisations (AMSRO) to form a unified, stronger and broader body for research professionals and organisations in Australia. The shared vision is to be a single essential peak industry body driving the industry forward by engaging and equipping the research community and its evidence-based professionals with the capacity and knowledge to deliver the highest standards of research practice. AMSRO approached AMSRS with a merger proposal 12 months ago, and together they have investigated the benefits of merging to provide members even greater value and an enhanced industry profile. “With the local and global industry currently experiencing unprecedented change, the merger would create a new, combined, powerful, unified association and provide mutual benefits for clients, suppliers, individuals and academics,” said Lee Naylor, AMSRO President. Liz Moore, AMSRS President said: “We did not embark on this process lightly. Following more than 12 months of consultations, negotiation and detailed analysis, we have come to the unanimous decision to recommend a merger with AMSRO as being in the best interest of our members. “A single merged entity representing the interests of the industry will make us stronger together and secure broader benefits for our members. There are three compelling reasons, which underpin this:

1. A merged entity will make us financially more resilient
2. A single entity will help our industry speak with one unified voice, and
3. A single entity will better equip us to steer our industry into the future as we move through a rapidly evolving environment.”

AMSRO and AMSRS have launched a website that contains detailed information about what is being recommended to members http://amsroamsrsmerger.com.au. For the past 60 years, the Australian market and social research industry has been effectively served by both AMSRS – the professional association for research consultants, and AMSRO – operating on behalf of organisations’ commercial interests. Both have supported their respective constituencies well and provide a diverse range of services for their members. Together, the peak industry bodies have already delivered a number of initiatives for members that are also in the best interests of the general public and community including: developing Australia’s first and only industry APP privacy code; ensuring ethical compliance with the Code of Professional Behaviour and the Qualified Practicing Market Research (QPMR) accreditation; quality compliance with specific ISO standards and the industry Trustmark; a toll-free surveyline that allows the public to check bona fides of market and social research companies; government advocacy; industry statistics; ongoing professional development training; and the Research Effectiveness Awards. For further information: Sarah Campbell, Executive Director, AMSRO (02) 8017 6717 or Elissa Molloy, CEO, AMSRS on (02) 9566 3100 or Rochelle Burbury, Third Avenue Consulting on 0408 774 577