The specifics of each project are always different – sometimes people are selected because of where they live, sometimes because they are customers of our client, sometimes simply because we need to collate a representative set of opinions and the best way to do that is to approach everyone.

Depending on the project, your details may have come from our client (in the form of a customer database), it may have been purchased from organisations holding so-called ‘opt-in lists’ (perhaps you filled in a questionnaire or ticked a box saying you were happy to be contacted).

Research Resource abides by the Data Protection Act 2018 and is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and always processes personal data in line with its requirements. We always insist and check that our clients do too. In order to address specific queries about what data we hold on you and where we got it from, please email info@researchresource.co.uk giving details of how we contacted you and when (and if possible what it was related to) and we will be happy to inform you.

Being on the TPS means that you have expressed a preference not to be approached for the purposes of direct marketing. Since there is never any sales element to any work we do and we only ever undertake market research, our activities are not covered by the TPS (as confirmed on the TPS website). Some TPS members tell us that we should assume that their preference extends beyond marketing to all unsolicited calls, but far more tell us (once we have explained who we are working on behalf of and why) that they are happy to have been given an opportunity to voice their views on what are often very important issues. So we make the deliberate decision not to screen against the TPS in most cases.

Being ex-directory simply means you’ve chosen not to list your phone number in the public phone book. We respect that, but again we cannot assume that this means you don’t want to take part in a consultation on a matter that may be close to your heart.

No problem. Research Resource naturally respects people’s right to privacy and does not wish to unduly disturb people who wish to be left alone. Just drop us an email (info@researchresource.co.uk) detailing your phone number or email address (depending on how we contacted you) and we will add you to our “Do not recontact” list. In order for us to hold your details on this list we need your permission to do that- receipt of your email will be taken as that permission being given. But feel free to talk to us to find out why you have been approached before making this decision. You may find it was related to an issue you feel very strongly about!