Often more importantly, they provide reassurance that there is a person within the MRBA organisation who is prepared to listen, offer ‘a shoulder to cry on’, and give some basic advice as well.
Mary Haynes
I’ve been in the industry for over 50 years and have firsthand experience working with the field force at a number of different organisations. I understand the nature of their work and some of the circumstances they sometimes find themselves in. Although I’m now retired, I still feel I have a ‘duty’ to them. Working for the MRBA now is my way of putting something back.
Valerie Kirkin
I began interviewing for NatCen and the Office for National Statistics in 1982 and gained valuable experience in social research fieldwork across the country. I progressed to the role of NatCen Area Manager for NE London and East Anglia in 2000 and, over the following twelve years, developed my HR skills and became more familiar with the breadth of difficulties experienced by interviewers and research staff.
Since 2012, through my volunteering with Citizens Advice and Samaritans, I’ve worked with, and been able to empathise with those facing the most serious challenges, and am now delighted to have the opportunity to assist others through the MRBA.
Stacey Charlesworth
I started as a telephone interviewer in 1982, and have since had many roles, mainly in telephone centres but have also managed a face to face field force.
I know what a dedicated and diverse group of people work in MR and am very pleased to be able to help the MRBA with their valuable work, supporting people in our industry when they are in most need.
Sue Curtis
I first worked as an interviewer when a student in Bristol in 1971, interviewing about restricting smoking to the rear of buses – how times have changed! I interviewed again when my children were small in the early ‘80s in between periods as a Careers Adviser, and then moved on to be a Home Care Manager for the elderly in a local authority, assessing needs and arranging packages of care as required. Looking for a change, I went back to market research in 1993 as Field Manager and then Director for Marketing Sciences Ltd., now Walnut, where I stayed for a very happy and fun 17 years until retirement. Since then I’ve been an Inspector for the Interviewer Quality Control Scheme which keeps me in touch with the industry, and also volunteer in a local Oxfam bookshop and for my local gardening club.
I’m really honoured to be part of the MRBA because it’s such a worthwhile scheme in an industry where many people can easily find themselves in difficulty, needing practical help and guidance. Hopefully all my past experience will enable me to contribute to it effectively.
Jane Gwilliam
I spent most of my working life with Research International (originally RBL), very briefly in Field and then, for most of my working life, as a Qualitative Researcher, eventually with responsibility for international training and product development. I retired as a company director but still do occasional pro bono studies for charities, including minor quantitative work. I am a Fellow of the Market Research Society and do assessments for those seeking Certified membership. I am a member of Neighbourhood Watch and part run the finances of my Parish church, especially dealing with the diocese. I am a founder member of The Research Network which keeps researchers in touch with each other through social events. Qualitative research requires an understanding of what motivates people and understanding their cares and concerns in commercia, but especially in social research situations.