GovWire

The Home Office is undertaking a survey of UK businesses to learn more about whether they have experienced economic crime and the approaches they take to tackle it. The research will inform government policy on economic crime and how the government works with businesses to mitigate associated risks.

Ipsos UK has been commissioned to carry out the survey fieldwork. This is expected to take place by telephone and online from February 2024 to June 2024.

During this period, some businesses will be called by an Ipsos UK interviewer from their Edinburgh office (an 0131 number) inviting them to take part. If someone in your team has requested it, you may also receive an email to let you know Ipsos UK has called and inviting you to reply.

The Home Office and Ipsos UK can give the following reassurances about the survey:

• all responses will be confidential and anonymised, and the Home Office will not know which businesses have participated
• taking part is voluntary for all respondents and businesses
• findings from the survey may be published at an aggregate level in the future, with individual respondents remaining anonymous
• Ipsos UK would still like to speak to businesses even if they have not experienced any economic crime, to help ensure the findings are representative of all businesses

Who is being invited to take part

Businesses across the UK have been selected at random from the Market Location Business Database.

Within these businesses, Ipsos UK is inviting a senior person with knowledge or responsibility for finance, legal or compliance matters. In some organisations this might be a specific individual or Head of Department, while in other organisations it might be the business owner or director.

What does participation involve

Participation will involve a telephone interview with an interviewer from Ipsos UK. On average interviews last around 15 to 20 minutes, though the actual interview length may vary depending on the answers that you give. The interview will take place at a time that is convenient for you. There is also the option to take part in the survey online.

In some cases where a business has given permission, they may be re-contacted by Ipsos UK to answer some additional questions about their experiences of economic crime. Participation in this additional interview is completely optional.