Cost of Opinion Polls and Surveys
across the UK

# Trade Body Accreditation for Opinion Polls and Surveys

The main regulatory frameworks governing opinion polling and market research in the UK are overseen by the Market Research Society (MRS), which is the industry's self-regulatory body and the oldest established professional association for researchers. The MRS sets out standards of practice and ethics that members must follow, including rules around data protection, transparency, and research methodology. Additionally, researchers conducting polls must comply with the British Polling Council (BPC) standards if they publish political or election-related surveys, and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) may scrutinise survey claims used in marketing. Providers may also hold ISO 20252 accreditation, which is an international standard for market research service delivery that demonstrates compliance with quality and procedural requirements. Understanding which of these bodies a provider belongs to gives you confidence that they follow established best practices rather than operating without oversight.

To verify a provider's credentials, check their website for explicit membership of the MRS, BPC, or confirmation of ISO 20252 certification, and cross-reference this against the MRS register of members or the relevant body's official database. You can also ask the provider directly for evidence of their accreditation, including membership certificate numbers and the date their certification is valid until. This matters because accreditation is not compulsory in the UK, meaning unaccredited operators can legally conduct polls; however, accredited providers have undergone assessment and agree to codes of conduct that protect you as a client. If a company cannot easily demonstrate accreditation, it is reasonable to question their commitment to professional standards and what safeguards apply to your data.

Accredited providers typically charge between 10 and 30 percent more than unaccredited alternatives, reflecting the costs of compliance, external auditing, and ongoing professional development required by their trade body. While the premium may seem significant, it is