Research Projects and Surveys Policy

The Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC) occasionally receives requests to circulate research projects, surveys or consultations to our members. This policy explains how we handle such requests so that we remain fair, transparent and within our remit as a trade association.

1. Scope of research and surveys we may share

ATC’s primary focus is on research projects and surveys that:

• relate directly to aromatherapy, essential oils, safety, regulation or professional practice;
• have a clear benefit to the wider aromatherapy sector or public understanding; and
• respect participants’ rights, privacy and time.

We prioritise:

• independent or academic studies and surveys with recognised ethics oversight; and
• sector wide surveys commissioned or endorsed by ATC to inform our policy and guidance work.

2. Projects and surveys that benefit the sector as a whole

In line with our role as a trade association, ATC will only circulate research projects, surveys or consultations where, in our reasonable opinion, the primary purpose is to benefit the aromatherapy industry or profession as a whole – for example, by improving safety, regulatory understanding, education or public awareness – rather than to advance the commercial interests of a single business or individual.

This approach helps us:

• treat members fairly;
• avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest between competitors; and
• ensure that use of ATC communication channels remains proportionate and in the collective interest of the membership.

3. Member led and commercial projects or surveys

ATC may, at its discretion, share member led research projects or surveys where:

• the purpose, organiser and sponsor are clearly identified (for example, a study or survey undertaken by a named business or practitioner);
• any commercial interest – such as planned use of results to develop or promote specific products or services – is made transparent;
• participation is entirely voluntary and unpaid, with no pressure to respond; and
• the project or survey fits the principles set out in sections 1 and 2 above.

Sharing a link does not mean ATC endorses the project, survey, methodology, findings, products or services associated with it. ATC will normally use a short, neutral introduction and will not reproduce promotional or marketing material as part of a research or survey invitation.

4. Participant information and data protection

Before we consider sharing a project or survey, we expect the organiser to provide:

• a plain English explanation of who is running it and why;
• what participation involves, how responses will be used and whether the results will be published; and
• a brief privacy statement explaining how data will be stored, who will have access to it and how long it will be kept.
  

Researchers and survey organisers are responsible for ensuring that their project complies with all applicable data protection and research ethics requirements. ATC does not act as data controller or joint controller for external projects or surveys and does not accept responsibility for the conduct of external researchers.

5. Fair access and frequency

To treat members fairly and avoid survey overload, ATC cannot circulate every request it receives. We may limit:

• the number of external research or survey invitations we share in a given period; and
• the channels used (for example, inclusion in a periodic email bulletin rather than a standalone mailing).

When we decline a request, this will not be a reflection on the individual researcher, organiser or topic, but on our capacity, priorities and the need to avoid over burdening members with requests.

6. How to submit a research or survey request

Researchers, organisations and members wishing ATC to share a project, survey or consultation with members should email info@a t c.org.uk with:

• the project or survey title and organiser;
• a 150–200 word summary suitable for members;
• a link to the survey or further information; and
• a brief statement covering data protection and intended use of results.

All requests are considered at ATC’s discretion, and ATC reserves the right to amend or withdraw this policy at any time.