Jane Frost, CEO MRS Sector and MRS news Updated Inclusion Pledge In July, MRS released an updated Inclusion Pledge to improve representation in research, and launched a pledge specifically designed for independent consultants. The refreshed pledge covers the commitment to consider both visible and invisible disabilities in the sectors workplaces. Also added to the pledge is the need to actively consider I Are you planning or ploughing ahead? d first like to say a huge thanks to C Space for sponsoring the special report in this issue on the topic of foresight. Without our sponsors we wouldnt be able to maintain the quality of our editorial, or produce reports of such pressing relevance to our members. This is a topic very close to my heart. I was fortunate to learn the value of scenario planning many years ago when I worked at Shell, which was an early master of this particular art. Being asked to look into a crystal ball and make predictions diminishes the value of our sector, so its heartening to see that research and insight is playing the leading role in more sophisticated, multidimensional approaches that will help businesses prepare for various uncertain futures. Its October, and that should mean autumn harvest, when crops are set aside in storage to help see us through the hardships of winter. Of course, even this level of planning is now upset by unpredictable changes in our weather patterns. You may have seen in the MRS Annual Review 2022-23, just published, that the society enjoyed a welcome growth in membership and trading over 2023-24. However, now is not a time of plenty, and we know many of our members are feeling the pinch. Thats why we are investing our modest profits back into key infrastructure, with a single goal to improve member services. You may not see an immediate difference, but you will feel it in terms of improved, frictionless interaction with the society. With the end of one growth cycle another begins, and the MRS Awards (4 December) and MRS Annual Conference (12 March, 2024) will soon be upon us. We have seen a 30% increase in submissions for the awards this year 316 submissions in total! There is no lack of vital, groundbreaking research going on across public and commercial sectors. Now were looking for your contributions for the annual conference, and Im sure we will be similarly deluged with examples of fresh innovation and impactful case studies. I wish you well in your preparations for the future, and please dont hesitate to get in touch if you feel there is something else MRS could be doing to support you. inclusive research designs and methodologies in projects, and to ensure transparent communication around samples. Cybersecurity of China The Cybersecurity Administration of China has published guidelines about outbound personal data and important data from China to third countries. Since 1 March 2023, businesses and individuals must comply with these new measures or risk penalties. See the guidance at mrs.org.uk Updated Privacy and Cookie Policy The MRS Privacy and Cookie Policy has been updated, with the addition of new cookies to improve the functionality of MRS websites, an update of retention periods, more information about MRSs use of social media, and improvements to the layout to enhance accessibility. MRS services will not change as a result of these updates and none of the changes will affect privacy or MyMRS account settings. 55 Impact ISSUE 43 2023_pp54-57_MRS.indd 55 18/09/2023 12:19