The Executive Research Association (ERA) was conceived in 1984, initially as an informal forum for researchers in the Search industry to meet and share ideas. In 1986 the organisation was formalised into an Association managed by an industry committee and with subscription members. The ERA is now the leading research association in the UK and we maintain strong links with our peers in the US and on the Continent. We set industry standards and provide a strong networking facility for our members.

The aims of the ERA are:

• To promote an awareness of and an interest in executive search, generally, and the research function, specifically, within the executive search and selection industry as a whole.
• To provide information about executive search and research to other industry users of our profession.
• To establish a code of practice.
• To encourage and improve high standards of work.
• To promote relevant education amongst members.
• To provide a forum for ideas.
• To promote contact between people in the industry.
• To represent all its members' interests fairly.
• To act as an ombudsman in case of disputes.

With its members numbering over 155 and growing, today the ERA covers a broad range of interests across the search industry.

Members include in-house researchers; independent researchers; search consultants, out placement firms and other industry users of the research function.

Members are offered the opportunity to meet three times a year. We hold an annual conference at the Sadlers Wells Theatre and topics covered have been:- 2004 In-House or Out of House, 2005 Targeting of Talent, 2006 Ten Years from Now, 2007 Perspectives on Research.

There is also an annual workshop, which is free to members, and the topics covered have been:- 2004 How to conduct a mapping exercise and how to get the best out of the internet, 2005 The Lifecycle of a Project, 2006 Data Protection Age Discrimination.

The next workshop will be held in the Autumn. Please see the events page for further details.

In the Summer we also hold our Summer Party.

These past events have proved to be very successful; time is always allocated for members to network and to catch up with research colleagues.

Earlier last year the ERA undertook a salary survey which was published and made available to members.

Members should not misrepresent their identity, the identity of the firm, or their purpose in seeking to obtain information.

Members will treat information obtained with due confidentiality towards both candidate and client.

Independent Researchers will advise clients of possible conflicts of interest before undertaking an assignment.

All members should practice the highest standards of work.
Members who are found to be in contravention of the code of practice will have their membership rescinded.