As part of our efforts around Corporate Social Responsibility, Ipsos Channel Performance UK continually seek opportunities for our projects to give back. There have been two exceptional examples of this in 2022 with projects for the UK’s largest cash machine network, and with an ongoing tracking programme posting parcels.

What did our two CSR projects involve?

Both projects required the purchase of a small item, or mailing a parcel, respectively, so in partnership with our clients we suggested to our Mystery Shopping panel that these items be specifically selected to support local foodbanks or a similar charity – minimising waste, and giving back to the community.  Shoppers were provided a list of suggested items for foodbanks, such as cereals, dry pasta or rice, tinned food items, as well as personal products such as toiletries, baby care items, and personal hygiene products.

For the parcel posting project, shoppers were asked to present a parcel to a selected Post Office branch to establish if the counter clerk asked the right questions to assess if the parcel contained any prohibited or restricted items. Shoppers rose to the challenge and sent an array of items – resulting in 4 boxes worth of non-perishable food and personal items being donated to a Milton Keynes food bank in October alone!

What did our Mystery Shoppers say about the project?

With our recommendation to donate purchased items to local foodbanks, 81% reported doing this! Many also reported appreciation for the suggestion to do so;

“It was my pleasure to donate to the Foodbank because every week I have seen people queuing up to receive the basic necessities of life. So when this opportunity came up, I was compelled to donate to the Foodbank. My biggest take away from donating is that not everyone can afford the basic stuff of life and I am fortunate enough to be able to give to those who are in need.”

What CSR projects do Ipsos have planned for 2023 and how can you get involved?

These two projects are part of an ongoing tracking programme, so the donations will continue for many months to come.

During the summer of 2022, our Swiss office took on a ‘summer clean up’ challenge where employees were encouraged to take some time during their holidays to collect plastic and other rubbish that was littering the beach, mountain areas and the local community. It was a great success and we are planning to do more of these initiatives next summer in other Ipsos office locations.

We are also looking at ways to involve Mystery Shoppers in our elimination of single-use plastics campaign; #whatSUP, to educate our shoppers on how to minimize their own plastic footprint and how Ipsos can do the same.

How can you become a Mystery Shopper with Ipsos?

For anyone looking to become an Ipsos Mystery Shopper, you can sign up here.