Membership Terms & Conditions
1. Purpose of Membership
The MRCA is a professional membership organisation established to define, maintain and promote shared professional standards within the market research and fieldwork industry.
Membership of the MRCA provides a professional reference framework for independent practitioners and organisations operating in market research, fieldwork and related disciplines.
MRCA membership does not constitute employment, partnership, agency representation or commercial endorsement.
2. Eligibility
Membership is open to individuals and entities professionally active in market research and fieldwork, including independent researchers, moderators, recruiters, analysts, translators and operational specialists.
Applicants must demonstrate professional activity, reliability and compliance with applicable professional and legal standards.
The MRCA reserves the right to assess eligibility and to accept or refuse members applications at its sole discretion.
Submission of an application does not automatically grant membership.
3. Membership Categories
The MRCA may define different categories of membership, including verified and chartered memberships.
The scope, conditions and rights associated with each category are determined by MRCA policies in force at the time of application and may evolve over time.
4. Membership Conditions and Fees
Membership conditions, including any applicable fees, are defined by MRCA policies in force at the time of application and may evolve over time.
Membership becomes effective only upon formal approval by MRCA.
Approval and issuance of certification, badge or written confirmation constitute official confirmation or membership.
Continued membership may require periodic renewal, updated documentation, identity verification or confirmation of professional eligibility as determined by MRCA policies in force at the time of renewal.
5. Rights and Limitations
Membership grants the right to:
• Reference MRCA membership status in professional communications, subject to applicable usage guidelines;
• Participate in MRCA professional activities where applicable.
Membership does not grant:
• Authority to represent MRCA on behalf of third parties;
• Exclusive access to projects, clients or commercial opportunities;
• Any form of financial entitlement, revenue sharing or commercial guarantee.
6. Use of Name and Designation
Members may reference their MRCA membership only in accordance with MRCA guidelines and solely for the duration of their valid membership.
Any misuse, misrepresentation or misleading use of the MRCA name, acronym, certification or designation may result in suspension or termination of membership.
Certification Marks and Digital Badges
Active Members may use MRCA certification marks and digital badges strictly in accordance with MRCA branding guidelines and solely during the period of valid membership.
Digital badges may be displayed on professional websites, LinkedIn profiles and professional communications. Use on personal, non-professional or misleading contexts is prohibited.
The badge remains the intellectual property of MRCA and must be removed immediately upon suspension, expiration or termination of membership.
Misuse, alteration or unauthorised reproduction of certification marks or badges may result in suspension or termination.
7. Professional Conduct
Members are expected to comply with the MRCA Code of Professional Practice ar act with integrity, professionalism and reliably in all professional activities.
Failure to comply with MRCA standards may result in corrective measures, suspension or termination of membership.
8. Suspension and Termination
The MRCA reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership in cases including, but not limited to:
• Material breach of these Terms;
• Misrepresentation of professional status;
• Conduct incompatible with MRCA principles or professional standards.
Termination of membership results in the immediate loss of any right to reference MRCA affiliation or certification.
Members subject to suspension of termination may submit a written appeal within 14 days of notification. The decision of the MRCA following review shall be final.
9. No Commercial Liability
The MRCA does not act as a commercial intermediary and does not assume responsibility for contractual relationships, payments, disputes or outcomes arising between members and third parties.
Members remain fully responsible for their professional activities and obligations.
10. Digital Platform and Member Portal
MRCA provides access to digital platforms, member portals and certification systems on an “as available” basis.
The Member Portal may provide access to certification documents, renewal records, branding assets and professional resources. Access remains conditional upon active membership status and compliance with these Terms.
MRCA reserves the right to modify, restrict, suspend or discontinue any part of the digital platform or member portal at its sole discretion, without prior notice.
While reasonable technical and organisational measures are implemented, MRCA does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.
MRCA shall not be liable for temporary service disruptions, maintenance downtime, third-party hosting failures, or technical issues beyond its reasonable control.
11. Amendments
These Membership Terms & Conditions may be amended from time to time.
The version in force at the time of continued membership shall apply.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Any dispute arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the court of England and Wales.
13. Legal Entity
MRCA Limited
Company number 17127856
Registered in England and Wales
16-17 Old Bond Street
Bath, BA1 1BP – United Kingdom