Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Market Research Chartered Association (“MRCA”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of individuals who interact with the Association, including members, applicants, partners and website visitors.

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, stored and protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and related legislation.

2. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for processing personal data is:

Market Research Chartered Association
Registered Office:
Queen Square, Bath, BA1 – United Kingdom
Email: info@mrca.org.uk

3. Data Protection Contact

For any questions relating to personal data or this Privacy Policy, individuals may contact the MRCA Data Protection Officer at: dpo@mrca.org.uk.

4. Personal Data Collected

The MRCA may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

• Identification and contact information (name, email address, professional contact details);
• Professional information (role, expertise, areas of activity, geographic markets);
Information provided as part of membership or certification applications;
• Technical data related to website usage (IP address, browser type, access logs);
• Any information voluntarily submitted through forms or communications.

The MRCA does not intentionally collect sensitive personal data unless strictly necessary for verification or compliance purposes.

5. Purpose of Processing

Personal data is processed for the following purposes:

• Assessing and managing membership or certification applications;
• Maintaining accurate membership records;
• Communicating with members and applicants regarding MRCA activities;
• Ensuring compliance with MRCA professional standards and policies;
• Operating and improving the MRCA website and services;
• Meeting legal and regulatory obligations where applicable.

Personal data is not used for commercial marketing or third-party advertising purposes.

6. Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data is processed on one or more of the following legal bases:

• Consent provided by the individual;
• Performance of membership-related arrangements;
• Legitimate interests of the MRCA in operating a professional association;
• Compliance with legal obligations.

Where consent is required, individuals may withdraw consent at any time.

7. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including compliance with legal, regulatory or professional requirements.

Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the data and the individual’s relationship with the MRCA.

8. Data Sharing

Personal data may be shared only where necessary and limited to:

• Service providers supporting MRCA operations (e.g. hosting, administrative tools);
• Legal or regulatory authorities where required by law.

The MRCA does not sell, rent or trade personal data to third parties.

9. International Transfers

Where personal data is processed or accessed outside the United Kingdom, appropriate safeguards are applied to ensure an adequate level of data protection in accordance with applicable laws.

10. Data Security

The MRCA implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure or destruction.

11. Individual Rights

Individuals have the right to:

• Access their personal data;
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data;
• Request erasure of personal data, where applicable;
• Object to or restrict certain processing activities;
• Request data portability where applicable;
• Lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.

Requests may be submitted to dpo@mrca.org.uk.

12. Cookies and Website Data

The MRCA website may use cookies or similar technologies to ensure proper functioning and to improve user experience.

Details regarding cookies are provided separately where required.

13. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time.

The version published on the MRCA website shall apply.

14. Contact

For privacy-related enquiries, please contact: info@mrca.org.uk.