The UK’s Executive Research Association is Great Britain’s primary industry association for executive research. ERA has set numerous standards for the industry, and also serves as a networking medium for fellow researchers.

As the industry’s main association, ERA is able to promote an awareness of the business of executive search, and in particular, the actual research role required to locate executives and determine their qualifications, experience and past track record. Research professionals can seek out executives for a wide range of corporate spheres, although wealth creation and finance industry executives feature strongly.

The Executive Research Association have evolved an industry code of practice. They cultivate education amongst members, and work towards high standards in the fulfillment of the research task.

ERA’s code of practice encourages members to never misrepresent their identity or purpose, or the identity of their firm, when they are seeking to obtain information for executive recruitment ends. All information gleaned by a researcher should be kept in confidence with respect to both the candidate as well as the client. ERA also acts as an industry ombudsman in the case of disputes.

ERA was established in 1986 and is managed by a committee of industry professionals. Two types of memberships are available. Individual membership costs £100.00 per annum. This allows a firm to select a group of four members, and these will be entitled to all member benefits. Corporate membership for executive research companies is £400.00 per annum. With corporate membership, each individual within the nominated group needs to submit an application form.

ERA’s membership register includes search consultants, both in-house and independent researchers, out placement firms, and other users of the executive research function.

Prospective members can join the Executive Research Association either online via their website, or by requesting an information pack from the association’s secretary, Sarah El Rasoul.

Annual conferences are organised by ERA where pertinent topics relating to the industry are discussed by highly experienced research industry professionals. This is a forum where recent industry issues and changes can also be debated. There is also an executive research workshop which is complimentary for Executive Research Association members. In June or July, ERA also organises an annual Summer Party. Besides the social nature of the event, members can review the year and recommend improvements in industry practice.

Advertisements can also be purchased on ERA’s website. These could be for independent executive research companies, or to advertise for research appointment positions within search consultancies. Advertisements for research positions are posted for a maximum of 2 months or until advertisers request they be removed, whichever comes first.

As the UK’s leading executive research association, ERA also maintains strong links with peer associations both within the EU as well as in the US.