FAQs for IPAF Member Survey
Why is IPAF undertaking this research?
IPAF is inviting members to share their views via the 2026 membership survey. The survey is conducted at regular intervals, most recently in 2023, with the results used to monitor progress, improve services and better support members and the sector more broadly.
What assurances do I have that Research by Design is a bona fide market research company?
Research by Design is an independent market research company that has been commissioned by IPAF to undertake research on its behalf. All information provided is kept strictly confidential.
IPAF has worked alongside Research by Design previously on research projects.
Research by Design’s website is: http://www.researchbydesign.com/
What about data protection?
Research by Design is registered as a Data Controller to undertake research in any field, including market, health, lifestyle, scientific or technical research, under the UK GDPR, the EU GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018 as applicable; registration number Z5405593.
Research by Design is committed to meeting the requirements of the following laws and codes:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- ICC/ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research) International Code on Market and Social Research
You can review Research by Design’s privacy policy here: Privacy Policy.
What type of research has been commissioned?
An online survey has been commissioned.
Is the online survey secure?
Respondent data is encrypted in transit (via HTTPS) and is stored encrypted in EU data centres.
How will I be invited to participate in the online survey?
IPAF will send an email invitation to ask for your participation in the survey. You can verify the validity of the email by checking the ‘from’ address, which will be [email protected].
What if I am a member and have not received a link to take the survey?
If you are a current IPAF member and have not received a link to participate in the survey, please contact [email protected] at IPAF to request a link.
How is the online survey being undertaken?
The survey is available online with a personalised link sent to each member individually. Reminder emails are sent at intervals throughout the fieldwork period to help encourage participation. Reminder emails will only be sent to those who have not taken part and those who have partially completed the survey.
Although IPAF is distributing the survey, only Research by Design will have access to the response data.
How long might the online survey take?
The survey is likely to take around 10 minutes to complete, but this does depend on the answers you provide and the number of comments you wish to make.
Can I re-enter the online survey to make amendments or continue where I left off?
Each survey session contains a device-specific cookie which remembers your choices should you leave and return to the survey if you have not submitted your response. Each time you move to a new page of the survey your responses are saved.
Once you have submitted the survey, amendments are not possible; if you wish to make revisions once you have pressed ‘submit’, please contact Research by Design to discuss the options available.
How do I return my survey to Research by Design?
Once you have reached the final page of the survey you will be provided with a submit button at the bottom of the page. Your responses will be sent automatically to Research by Design. If you do not complete the survey, then your saved answers may still be used in the analysis as a partial response.
How will my responses be used?
All responses from the online survey will be aggregated and reported together. Free text insights will be reported thematically. All responses will remain anonymous and confidential. Specific comments will not be attributed to any individual.
For those that wish to speak to IPAF about the research, please contact Verity Lindley ([email protected])
To speak to Research by Design about the research, please contact Arthur Parnell ([email protected])
