About IFF Research
What is IFF Research?
IFF Research is an independent social and market research agency, founded in 1965 by Lord McIntosh of Haringey as "Industrial Facts and Forecasting" — "the country's first specialist business to business research agency." It shortened its name to IFF Research in 1978 and has grown into one of the UK's leading independent agencies, with over 60 years' experience delivering robust, reliable insight that "stands up to scrutiny."
IFF works across a broad span of sectors — Business & Enterprise, Crime & Justice, Education, Energy & Environment, Financial Services, Health & Wellbeing, Higher Education, Housing, Regulation, and Work & Welfare — using mixed-methods research. It is a trusted partner to many government bodies, and its work helps shape public policy: the Office for National Statistics calls IFF "an extremely consistent, reliable and trustworthy data supplier."
Where will I work?
IFF is based in London, at the 5th Floor of The Harlequin Building, 65 Southwark Street (SE1 0HR) — a "bright and airy" riverside office it moved to in 2018 so the whole team could "operate together as one company across a single floor." Roles offer real flexibility: "All our team have the flexibility to work at times and in ways which best suit them," splitting time between the Southwark office and home. Home-based, flexible telephone-interviewing roles pay a London Living Wage regardless of location.
What is the IFF Research team like?
IFF is built around a "human-first" value — "what we think makes IFF special is our human-first approach" — celebrating individuality and an inclusive, welcoming culture "where everybody has a voice." People development runs through the POP Framework, "which outlines what 'good' looks like at every level and provides a clear pathway for progression," and IFF financially supports memberships of bodies like the MRS, the Association of Qualitative Researchers and the Social Research Association. Team members tend to stay: one Director notes, "I've been at IFF since 2001," joining as a trainee.
Work-Life Balance
IFF works a four-day week. In its own words: "In line with being 'human first', we work a four-day week to give people genuine flexibility, better balance and support wellbeing. We've seen that focusing on what's being delivered, rather than the number of hours logged, helps our people and our business to thrive." Flexibility extends to where, when and how people work within that four-day week.
Perks and Benefits
- Four-day working week at full pay
- 28 days' holiday (rising by 1 day at three and five years), plus bank holidays
- Healthcare options
- Wellbeing support and a range of social activities
- Pension scheme
- Professional development through the POP Framework, plus funded research-body memberships (MRS, AQR, SRA)
- Hybrid and remote working