Which? has today launched a new fund offering grants for research projects aiming to make a difference for under-represented groups of consumers.
With consumer harm taking many forms, and often difficult to spot, particularly in digital markets or when affecting specific consumer groups that might be exposed to different or more harms than others, the new fund will support research projects working to improve understanding of the specific consumer harms these communities experience or to develop evidence-based solutions to these issues.
Which? is inviting UK-registered charities and universities to apply for funding for research projects across its four impact areas of money, consumer rights and protections, digital life, and scams.
Which? states that these projects should ‘build on what is already known, bringing new evidence and identifying novel solutions to help achieve real change. They should also be targeted at audiences with the power to make a difference and communicated in a compelling way.’
It is particularly keen to support organisations using innovative methodologies to uncover consumer harm.
Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, said:
“Which? exists to make life simpler, fairer and safer for all consumers, but it is increasingly clear that consumer detriment can take many forms and be difficult to uncover – particularly due to digitalisation or when it affects certain groups of diverse or disadvantaged consumers.
“That’s why we are launching our Which? Fund to support organisations that share our determination to ensure we understand the challenges faced by all consumers and work to bring about the change needed to improve their lives.”
