Last updated: January 2026
Introduction
merry-ash ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website merry-ash.org and use our British Sign Language learning services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
When you enrol in our courses or contact us, we may collect:
- Name and contact details (email address)
- Course selection and learning preferences
- Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)
- Communication history with our team
- Video recordings from live learning sessions (with your consent)
Automatically Collected Information
When you browse our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser type
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Referring website or source
- Device information and screen resolution
How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Provide and improve our BSL learning services
- Process enrolments and manage student accounts
- Communicate about courses, schedules, and support
- Analyse website usage to enhance user experience
- Comply with legal obligations
Legal Basis for Processing
Under UK data protection law, we process your personal data based on:
- Contract: To deliver courses you have enrolled in
- Consent: For marketing communications and session recordings
- Legitimate interests: To improve our services and prevent fraud
- Legal obligation: To comply with applicable laws
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:
- Payment processors to handle transactions securely
- Cloud service providers who host our learning platform
- Analytics services to understand website usage
- Legal authorities when required by law
All third parties are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Course records are typically kept for six years after completion. You may request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal retention requirements.
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict processing
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include encryption, secure servers, and regular security assessments.
International Transfers
Your data may be processed outside the UK where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including standard contractual clauses approved by the UK Information Commissioner.
Children's Privacy
Our services are available to learners of all ages. For students under 16, we require parental or guardian consent before collecting personal information. Parents may review or request deletion of their child's data by contacting us.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact:
merry-ash Learning Centre
47 Hartley Street
Birmingham B5 4TU
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Supervisory Authority
If you are unsatisfied with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.