Working at M·E·L

At M·E·L Research Ltd, we pride ourselves on fostering a working environment that not only strives for excellence in social research but also embodies a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive difference in society. Our approach is underpinned by a set of core values and a philosophy that places people at the heart of everything we do.

Hear from a range of different colleagues below about what it’s like to work as part of our team, and you can see our currently available roles here.

Benefits

As standard, our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working arrangements based around the needs of the employee (such as family commitments/needs/childcare). We are a very family-orientated business and encourage flexible hours and homeworking.
• Paid annual leave allowance of 33 days per annum, including bank holidays (pro-rated for part time hours), your birthday and a half a day at Christmas.
• 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Provision of employer contributions to Royal London personal pension scheme starting from a 4% contribution and rising to 8% (subject to employee contributions that meet the auto enrolment requirements).
• Life assurance policy at 3x basic annual salary.
• Free health cashback medical care scheme and employee benefits scheme, which includes retail discounts.
• Eligibility for annual company profit and performance bonus scheme dependent on company performance.
• Annual pay reviews and cost-of-living pay increases in addition to performance-related appraisals.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy champions a collaborative and partnership-driven approach with our clients, ensuring that the insights and solutions we deliver are not just data points, but transformative narratives that drive change. The essence of M·E·L Research is encapsulated in our passionate and dedicated team members. Their consultancy skills, combined with a genuine passion and curiosity for understanding people and society, allow us to make meaningful impacts across various sectors.

Embedded within our culture are four key values that guide our actions and decision-making processes:

Putting People First: At M·E·L Research, the ethos of empathy, respect, and dignity permeates through our interactions within the team and with the communities we engage. We operate as a unified force, dedicated to enriching lives and valuing every voice and perspective.

Customer Focused: Our commitment to our clients goes beyond contractual obligations. We are relentless in our pursuit to provide insights that are actionable and capable of fostering positive outcomes, always willing to go the extra mile.

Curious and Passionate: Our inquisitive nature drives us to give a voice to the unheard and represent the underrepresented. We tackle challenging questions with enthusiasm, committed to uncovering truths that can lead to impactful societal changes.

Professional Integrity: Integrity is the cornerstone of our operations. We uphold the highest standards of our profession, ensuring that our work is not only effective but ethically conducted and responsible.

Our Approach to Social Value

MEL Research is steadfast in its belief that businesses must play a pivotal role in nurturing social value. This belief is evident in our comprehensive approach to social responsibility, which includes:

• Selective Collaboration: We engage with clients who share our vision of supporting and enhancing social value, tackling complex issues and reaching out to marginalized groups.
• Real Living Wage Employer: We are committed to fair compensation, ensuring that all our employees receive a living wage that respects their skills and dedication.
• Charitable Contributions: Annually, we donate 5% of our profits to charities, reinforcing our commitment to giving back to the community.
• Ethical Insight Delivery: Our team is encouraged to deliver insights in the most ethical and engaging manner, pushing the boundaries of conventional market research.
• Sustainability Commitment: With a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, we are active participants in the MRS Climate pledge, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship.
• Employee Engagement in Social Causes: Recognizing the importance of personal contributions to societal well-being, we offer paid leave for employees to support causes close to their hearts.
• Pro-bono Work: Our dedication to social value is further exemplified by our pro-bono research initiatives and the biannual Research with a Purpose omnibus.
• Mental and Physical Health Support: The well-being of our team is paramount, evidenced by our in-house mental health first aiders and a comprehensive healthcare package.

Institutionalizing these values and practices, we have established a corporate social responsibility delivery team, ensuring our commitment to social value is championed by a diverse array of team members, each bringing their unique passions and perspectives to the forefront.

If you are interested in joining us, please take a look at our currently available roles.