This policy outlines the actions taken by Akerstream market & social research (AMSR) in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus virus on providing research services.
Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the threat of COVID-19 having eased substantially, there are still risks present in the community with spikes in infections occurring from time to time. We have assessed the risks and opportunities involved in our business and would like to share our thoughts and responses with you, our valued clients, associates and suppliers.
Continuity of Service
An advantage in the current environment is that we are home based and have a variety of suppliers of key services. If for any reason one supplier is temporarily unavailable, another supplier who is already familiar with our needs and expectations can take over.
Home based with a decentralised network of researchers and suppliers.
As a member of the Independent Researchers Group (IRG) within the Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS), we have access to numerous talented researchers who are able to assist when necessary and respond quickly.
Click here for more information about the IRG
Adapting to a ‘covid-normal’ environment
Fieldwork teams take appropriate precautions, wearing masks for example, in high traffic public areas.
Web communications technology and alternate data collection methodologies.
Of course, with advances in interconnectivity, many of us already also have experienced and trustworthy interviewers working from their home offices rather than in call centres.
In addition to these traditional techniques, for some time we have been building on our experiences with face-to-face interviews and group discussions, by substituting with telephone or online in-depth interviews and online focus group discussions, along with various variations or extensions of these approaches that do not require travel or face-to-face contact.
On-line surveys can also be employed better to fill the gap that may be left by the difficulties associated with call centres and telephone interviewing.
We are also increasingly conducting quite complex discussions, meetings and presentations with clients, associates and suppliers by phone or online conferencing wherever possible to avoid extensive travel and now also to avoid as much face-to-face contact as possible. This helps to reduce the cost of research as well moving forward,
Updates to this policy
The policy was last updated in Feb 2026.
Enquiries
If you have any questions, please contact AMSR:
M: 0412 885 863
mail: PO Box 100, Little River Victoria 3211