MERC Run Club CIC is committed to protecting your personal data. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What we collect: Name, email address, emergency contact details provided at registration, and limited payment identifiers processed via Stripe (we do not store full card data).
How we use your data: To manage your membership, send run schedules and club updates, and comply with safeguarding obligations. We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for marketing.
Your rights: You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data at any time by writing to mercdirector@outlook.com.
Retention: Member data is held for the duration of active membership plus 2 years. Run logs are anonymised after 12 months.
By using this website or participating in MERC activities, you agree to the following terms. These apply to all users regardless of membership status.
- This site is intended for users aged 18 and over. Users under 18 may participate only with written parental or guardian consent.
- All content on this site is the intellectual property of MERC Run Club CIC and may not be reproduced without permission.
- Participation in group runs is at your own physical risk. Consult a medical professional before commencing any exercise programme.
- Disruptive, discriminatory, or abusive behaviour � online or in person � will result in immediate removal from the club without refund.
- MERC reserves the right to update these terms. Continued use of the site after notice of changes constitutes acceptance.
Annual membership is £20 per person, payable via the secure checkout on this site. Membership runs for 12 months from the date of activation.
- Membership is non-transferable and linked to one named individual.
- Refunds are available within 14 days of purchase provided no more than 2 group runs have been attended.
- MERC reserves the right to suspend or revoke membership for breach of the club code of conduct.
- Membership fees are reinvested directly into club operations. No surplus is distributed as profit.
- Members are responsible for maintaining accurate contact and emergency details within their account.
Membership fees contribute to route planning, insurance, events, and community development. MERC Run Club CIC is a not-for-profit CIC — your fee goes back into the club.
MERC Run Club CIC is committed to the welfare and safety of all members, particularly vulnerable adults and younger participants over 18. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, harassment, or exploitation.
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Steven Hancock (Non-Executive Director and Safeguarding Officer). All safeguarding concerns should be reported directly to the DSO via Mercsafeguarding@outlook.com.
- All Captains undergo a mandatory safeguarding briefing before leading any group.
- No photography of participants is published without explicit consent.
- All concerns are treated confidentially and escalated to statutory authorities where required by law.
- Our policy is reviewed annually and aligned with UK Sport safeguarding frameworks.
This site uses cookies solely for session management (keeping you logged in) and basic analytics. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.
- Session cookies — essential for login and security. These are deleted when you close your browser.
- Analytics cookies — anonymised page-view data only (no personal identifiers). You may opt out by disabling cookies in your browser settings.
By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of essential cookies. Analytics cookies require your explicit consent and can be declined without affecting site functionality.
MERC Run Club CIC is registered in England and Wales as a Community Interest Company. Our activities are locked to community benefit by the CIC asset lock — profits and assets cannot be distributed to private individuals.
Community interest: Our purpose is to improve physical and mental health through inclusive running, with a specific focus on ethnically diverse and underrepresented communities.
No director, captain, or officer currently receives a salary or dividends from MERC. All income is reinvested into the community programme.
For company registration details, please contact us via the details below or search the Companies House public register.
For privacy requests, data subject access requests, or general legal correspondence please contact:
Email: mercdirector@outlook.com
Safeguarding: Mercsafeguarding@outlook.com
Organisation: MERC Run Club CIC, Southend-on-Sea, England
We aim to respond to all legal and data queries within 30 days in compliance with UK GDPR obligations.