ITWP signs MRS inclusion pledge

ITWP’s Paul Twite, managing director EMEA and chief executive Frédéric-Charles Petit join the list of leaders from 12 companies who pledged their support at the manifesto’s launch.

By signing the CEO pledge, companies commit to:

1. Publish pay statistics annually and demonstrate clear progress towards gender and BAME pay parity
2. Work towards ensuring all staff­ are fully representative of the UK’s diversity 
3. Work towards achievement of government targets on inclusion of women and BAME people at executive and board level
4. Improve recruitment of a representative intake, ending unpaid internships and supporting school, university and apprenticeship programmes
5. Create safe places to work, committing to: the timeTo Code of Conduct; a proactive culture that supports whistleblowing; and training staff­ to create systems to support those who need help for stress or mental health issues.

The Manifesto for Opportunity was launched last month on the publication of the latest MRS report on inclusion in the market research industry, which found that almost half of respondents reported suffering from anxiety.

The pledge has been signed by the following companies and individuals:

• Big Sofa: Kirsty Fuller
• Hall & Partners: Vanella Jackson
• GfK: Warren Saunders
• Ipsos MORI: Ben Page
• ITWP Group (parent company of Toluna and Harris Interactive): Paul Twite/Frédéric-Charles Petit
• Kantar: Eric Salama/Amy Cashman
• Lightspeed: Caroline Frankum
• Quadrangle: Ali Camps
• Savanta Global: Roger Perowne
• Savanta UK: Nick Baker
• Savanta Americas: Vin DeRobertis
• Zappistore: Steve Phillips
• C Space: Felix Koch

The MRS has also launched a network for LGBTQ+ talent in the research sector, #MRSPride. The initiative will kick off with a launch event on 30 May, featuring speakers from Pride in London, Pride AM and Stonewall.

Jane Frost, chief executive of the Market Research Society, said: "I am delighted to welcome ITWP as the latest company to pledge their commitment to inclusive practices. The MRS Manifesto for Opportunity, along with #MRSPride, has been designed to energise discussion and inspire action within the market research community. As the sector that provides insight and evidence, we must be representative of the changing world around us. 

"If you would like to sign the Manifesto for Opportunity on behalf of your organisation, please email me at ceo.office@mrs.org.uk."