RPS Research FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Royal Photographic Society undertaking this research?
The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) has commissioned independent market research company, Research by Design, to conduct a study to better understand photographers’ goals, experiences and needs. This research will help guide how the Society evolves, ensuring it remains relevant and valuable to current and future members, as well as the wider photography community.
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 the RPS to undertake research on its behalf.
Research by Design was formed in 1994 and has been working with professional membership organisations for over 30 years. Research by Design adheres to the Market Research Society’s (MRS) guidance, ensuring that all research is undertaken with integrity and necessary safeguarding of information. Contributions to research are strictly confidential and overall findings will always be reported in aggregate.
Research by Design’s website is: https://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 1998 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 1998 and the new Data Protection Bill 2017
- 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 with follow up focus groups.
The online survey will launch during the summer of 2026.
Online focus groups are expected to take place in the autumn of 2026.
How will I be invited to participate in the research?
Research by Design 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].
As a part of the survey, some respondents will be asked if they would be open to further contact from Research by Design about taking part in focus groups.
How is the online survey being undertaken?
The survey is available online with a link sent via email. Reminder emails will be sent at intervals throughout the fieldwork period to help encourage participation. Reminder emails are automated and sent only to those who have not yet completed the survey.
Is my anonymity assured?
The survey is anonymous. The link provided in the email invitation is unique to you to ensure the integrity of the results, however, your responses will be submitted directly to Research by Design and the unique identifier will be removed before results are shared with the RPS.
What if I have not received a link to take the survey?
If you have not received a link to participate in the survey and would like to take part, please contact Jasmine Palin ([email protected]) in the first instance with your query.
Is the online survey secure?
Respondent data is encrypted in transit (via HTTPS) and is stored encrypted in EU data centres.
How long might the online survey take?
This survey is likely to take between 7 -15 minutes to complete, but this depends on the extent of your relationship with the RPS, 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 Jasmine Palin ([email protected]) at 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.
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. Specific comments will not be attributed to any individual.
For those who wish to contact the RPS about the research, please email [email protected].
To contact Research by Design about the research, please email Jasmine Palin ([email protected]).
