The Social Research Association

What The Social Research Association does

The Social Research Association (SRA) is a UK-registered charity (number 1123940) and limited liability company (number 06407985) founded in 1978, operating as the dedicated membership body for social researchers in the UK and Ireland. It serves approximately 1,500 to 1,600 individual members working across central and local government, research agencies, universities, charities, and freelance consultancies, with 29 remote staff supporting operations across its registered London address and Canterbury mailing address. The SRA is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2028 and implements a 2025-2028 strategic plan built around strengthening financial security, governance, and member services (reforms initiated following a 2023 governance review).

The organization's core service portfolio spans five revenue streams: tiered annual membership subscriptions (£25 student/retired to £84 full-time employee); short training courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods delivered online or in-person (£190-£490, with 41 courses on the current programme); an annual conference and regional events (£90-£165 delegate fees); a paid ethics appraisal service (£800-£1,100 per review) complemented by a free member-only Ethics Forum; and publications including the quarterly Research Matters magazine, the twice-yearly Social Research Practice journal, an active blog, and a co-published short books series with Policy Press. Customized in-house training for organizations is priced from £2,500 (online) or £2,800 (in-person). No proprietary software is developed; the technology footprint is a self-serve website, member hub, Stripe-based payment processing, and a separate job board.

The SRA's go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging three regional branches (Cymru, Scotland, North of England), webinars, an annual flagship conference at the Royal College of Physicians, and university partnerships for a Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme delivered with the University of Kent and Northeastern University London. Employer partners including Government Social Research (GSR), Verian, the Institute for Employment Studies, BMG Research, and IFF Research sponsor apprentices and contribute to curriculum design. Distribution is predominantly website-direct and self-serve, with ethical and standards work differentiating the SRA from peer bodies such as the Market Research Society.

Name

The Social Research Association

Legal name

The Social Research Association

Website

https://the-sra.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Social Research Association is a UK-registered charity founded in 1978 serving as the dedicated membership body for approximately 1,500 social researchers across government, academia, research agencies, and consultancies, providing training courses, ethics guidance, publications, events, and a degree apprenticeship programme.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Membership and Research Training Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarly Society & Association Publishing (EDAGAFAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Social Sciences Scholarly Publishing (EDAGAFAD), Conference Proceedings & Research Reports Publishing (EDAGAFAL), Research Administration & Compliance (Sponsored Programs, IRB/REB) (EDADAKAH)

Keywords

• Social research membership
• Research methods training
• Ethics appraisal services
• Professional development events
• Research publications

Headquarters

HQ city

London (registered address)

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Annual membership fees from individual social researchers across UK. Tiers include full-time employee (£84), part-time (£60), self-employed/freelance (£60), and student/unwaged/retired (£25). 100% of membership fee is tax-deductible in UK.
2. Training courses: Short courses in research methods offered online via Zoom and in-person. One-day courses: £245 non-members, £190 members. Two-day courses: £490 non-members, £380 members. Customized in-house training from £2,500 (online) or £2,800 (in-person) plus £200 trainer liaison fee.
3. Events and conferences: Annual conference with delegate fees (member £165, student/self-employed/retired members £90). Regional events and webinars at reduced delegate rates for members.
4. Ethics appraisal service: Independent ethical review service for research proposals: £800 (standard complexity) or £1,100 (enhanced complexity). Target audience is organizations and individuals who cannot access ethical review elsewhere.
5. Publications: SRA short books published in association with Policy Press (Bristol University Press) including titles like 'Social Research with Children and Young People' (£12.99) and 'Consulting Skills for Social Researchers' (£13.99) with 20% member discount.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Social Research Association is a UK membership organization for social researchers offering tiered individual memberships, paid training courses in research methods (online and in-person), customized in-house corporate training, an annual conference with regional events and webinars, peer-reviewed publications (Research Matters magazine, Social Research Practice journal, blog, short books), an independent ethics appraisal service, a peer-led Ethics Forum, a job board, and a degree apprenticeship programme. It also sells books published in association with Policy Press and offers member discounts on third-party research software.

Product overview

The Social Research Association (SRA) operates as a membership organization offering a portfolio of interconnected services to social researchers. The core offering includes training courses (both public and customized in-house), publications (Research Matters magazine, Social Research Practice journal, blog, newsletters, short books), and events (annual conference, webinars, seminars). Supporting services include research ethics guidance with a peer forum and paid appraisal service, a job board, career guidance resources, and a degree apprenticeship programme. Regional groups in Cymru, Scotland, and Northern England provide localized community engagement. The SRA does not offer a software product but provides member discounts on third-party research software tools including Quirkos and Indeemo. The organization functions primarily as an educational charity and professional membership body rather than a technology platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SRA Training Courses Expert-led short courses in social research methods including qualitative approaches, quantitative techniques, evaluation, and specialized topics. One-day courses at £190 (members) or £245 (non-members); two-day courses at £380 (members) or £490 (non-members). Foundation and advanced levels available.
• Customised In-House Training Tailored training delivered to organizations' staff, covering courses from the SRA public programme customized to organizational needs. Full-day session from £2,500 (online) or £2,800 (in-person), plus a £200 trainer liaison fee in most cases.
• Research Matters Magazine Quarterly members' magazine covering social research topics, with published issues available for download as PDFs. Free access for members.
• Social Research Practice Journal Free online journal published twice yearly showcasing methods and approaches in social research.
• SRA Short Books Series Short, high-quality guides to specific topics within social research methods. Titles include 'Social Research with Children and Young People' (£12.99) and 'Consulting Skills for Social Researchers' (£13.99), with 20% member discount.
• SRA Annual Conference Annual flagship conference bringing together social researchers for keynote sessions, breakout presentations, networking, and professional development. Delegate fees: £165 (full-time/part-time member), £90 (student/self-employed/retired member).
• SRA Webinars and Regional Events Regular webinars, workshops, and seminars on topical social research subjects, including joint events with partner organizations at reduced delegate rates for members.
• SRA Ethics Appraisal Service Independent ethical review service for research proposals, offering a favourable opinion for organizations without access to another ethics committee. Standard complexity: £800; Enhanced complexity: £1,100 (VAT does not apply).
• SRA Ethics Forum Free confidential peer advice service for SRA members facing research ethics concerns and dilemmas. Responses from experienced volunteer researchers within 7 working days.
• SRA Job Board Online vacancy listing service for social research positions, accessible at jobs.the-sra.org.uk. Connects employers with social research talent.
• SRA Individual Membership Annual individual membership for social researchers with tiered pricing: full-time employee (£84), part-time (£60), self-employed/freelance (£60), and student/unwaged/retired (£25). Members receive 25% training discounts, free access to publications, Ethics Forum, and over 5,500 social science journals.
• Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (SRDAP) Apprenticeship programme providing paid work experience combined with a fully funded degree in social research. Includes the 4-year Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (SRDAP) at University of Kent and the 3-year Level 6 Social Researcher Degree Apprenticeship at Northeastern University London.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25% discount on training courses for members
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of KentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner university for the 4-year Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (SRDAP). Designs curriculum with global experts and input from employers. Fully funded degree while apprentices earn salary working at partner organizations.
• Northeastern University LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner offering 3-year Level 6 Social Researcher Degree Apprenticeship. Primarily online delivery with one in-person training week per year. Covers qualitative and quantitative methods including R, STATA, SPSS, and AI in research.
• Government Social Research (GSR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment analytical profession providing social and behavioural research. Partner employer for degree apprenticeship, offering paid roles for apprentices while they study. Emphasizes removing cost barriers to bringing talent to the profession.
• VeriancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest UK social research agencies. Partner employer for degree apprenticeship. Office near Houses of Parliament. Ed Dunn (SRA Chair) is Senior Director at Verian.
• Institute for Employment Studies (IES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent international centre of research and consultancy in employment policy and human resource management. Not-for-profit with approximately 50 staff. Partner employer for degree apprenticeship with friendly, inclusive culture.
• BMG ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading social research and analytics agency with 170-person team across Birmingham, London, and Glasgow. Part of RSK Group operating in 40+ countries. Partner employer for degree apprenticeship.
• IFF ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch agency passionate about positive difference. Smaller agency providing varied opportunities and strong staff support. Partner employer for degree apprenticeship.
• GideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of SRA Annual Conference 2026. UK-based organization.
• Bristol University PressminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of SRA Annual Conference 2026. Publisher of SRA Short Books series.
• QuirkosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of SRA Annual Conference 2026. Provides member discounts on qualitative data analysis software. Part of Sponsor Spotlight Session on Innovative Tools for Qualitative Research.
• GlautminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of SRA Annual Conference 2026.
• VerianminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor of SRA Annual Conference 2026. Provided additional contribution towards BSL Interpretation and SRA Bursary scheme.
• MAXQDAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor at SRA Annual Conference 2026. Qualitative data analysis software provider.
• TimberlakeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor at SRA Annual Conference 2026.
• QuirkosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSoftware provider offering discounts to SRA members. Featured in Sponsor Spotlight Session at 2025 Conference on Innovative Tools for Qualitative Research.
• IndeemominorGTM or Marketing PartnerSoftware provider offering discounts to SRA members. Featured in Sponsor Spotlight Session at 2025 Conference on Innovative Tools for Qualitative Research.
• Campaign for Social ScienceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint webinar series on AI revolution in research assessment and evaluation. Partnership with Social Research Association and UK Evaluation Society.
• UK Evaluation SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint webinar series on AI applications in evaluation. Partnership with Campaign for Social Science and Social Research Association.
• Academy of Social SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint webinar on AI and human morality with UK Evaluation Society and Social Research Association.
• Policy Press (Bristol University Press)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublisher of SRA Short Books series - short, high-quality guides to specific topics within social research methods. 20% discount for SRA members on all books in the series.
• Market Research SocietyminorOthersReferenced alongside SRA for ethics standards and GDPR guidance. MRS/SRA joint GDPR guidance document for social research.
• Royal College of PhysiciansminorOthersVenue host for SRA Annual Conference 2026 and 2027 at 11 St Andrews Place, Regent's Park, London NW1 4LE.
• National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM)minorOthersNCRM offers training bursaries for NCRM courses open to all disciplines and industries. SRA refers members for additional training opportunities.

Scale indicators9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• The Research Society (Australia): Australia and New Zealand's professional body for market and social research. Comparable membership, training, conference, and ethics functions. Geographic peer rather than direct competitor.
• American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR): The leading US professional association for public opinion and survey research. Comparable mission (professional standards, training, ethics, publications) but serves the US market; useful reference for international professional-body benchmarks.
• Social Research Association of New Zealand (SRANZ): New Zealand-based association for social researchers. Closely parallels SRA's mission in a smaller geography; useful benchmark for professional-body scaling dynamics.

Others

• Social Science Research Council (SSRC): US-based nonprofit supporting social science research worldwide. Indirect peer in mission and adjacent in academic/research community, but not a direct competitor given geographic and structural differences.

Direct peers

• Campaign for Social Science: UK advocacy organization that champions social science research. Partners with SRA on joint webinars and shares overlapping audiences across academia, government, and the research profession.
• UK Evaluation Society: UK membership body for evaluation professionals, with significant overlap with SRA's social research audience. Partners with SRA on joint webinars (e.g., on AI in evaluation), indicating both collaboration and audience overlap.
• Academy of Social Sciences: UK umbrella organization promoting social sciences, including social research. Partners with SRA and UK Evaluation Society on joint webinar series on AI in research. Comparable in scale and mission as a learned-society and membership body.
• Market Research Society (MRS): The UK's main professional body for market, social, and opinion researchers. Operates as a membership organization with similar training, events, publications, and ethics services. Jointly issues GDPR guidance with SRA and competes for the same professional-development budgets.

Emerging players

• Wonkhe: UK higher-education and policy community platform providing commentary, events, and analysis. Less direct overlap but increasingly competes for the attention of social researchers and policy professionals who overlap with SRA's audience.

Broad incumbents

• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO): Larger UK charity-sector umbrella body that SRA trustees (e.g., Joy Dobbs) are connected to. Operates in adjacent 'social research for the charitable sector' space and provides research-related resources for VCS organizations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sracymru
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-social-research-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Social Research Association