Data Protection Act 1998 – The Vegetarian Society UK

Policy & Privacy Statement

Thank you for your interest in The Vegetarian Society. Promoting understanding and respect for vegetarian lifestyles is a huge task and we need all the help we can get. That's why the support of individuals is so valuable to us and why we ask your permission to keep your data on hand and to let you know from time to time about the different ways you can help.

The information you provide to The Vegetarian Society may be added to our membership and supporter database or to one of our email newsletter lists (held by a third party on our behalf) and will be used for our purposes only. These purposes may include, but are not limited to, mailing or emailing of Vegetarian Society publications, administering membership, information on benefits and services to members, information regarding the charity, events and fundraising. We only hold information that is required for The Vegetarian Society to fulfil its charitable and membership activities, such as home address, e-mail address, and (where electronic payments are involved) bank details. We aim to keep this information as accurate and up-to-date as possible, and ask your assistance in ensuring this is so. We will also do everything we can to prevent this information from being used in any unauthorised or unlawful way, and will never pass it on to anyone not mentioned here.

Data is available to recognised local Vegetarian Society contacts, and to agents contracted by The Vegetarian Society for particular projects. Data may also be used for fundraising programmes, which might include appealing to you directly. On occasion data may be passed to other organisations with which we have a reciprocal arrangement. Data may only be held with your consent, and you have the right to request details of data The Vegetarian Society holds on you for a small administration fee.

Under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 you have the right to object to the use of your data for any of the above purposes. Furthermore, you have the option to tick the opt-out box on all membership forms, or to inform The Vegetarian Society in writing, if you do not wish to be sent Vegetarian Society fundraising appeals or for your information to be passed on to other organisations with which we may have a reciprocal relationship. If you prefer that we stop using your information for the purpose of contacting you about campaigning and membership activities, or if you feel we are using information about you in any way which you believe may cause you or another person damage or distress, you can contact us at the address below to request that your records are no longer used in this way.

If you would like to know more about how we are complying with the Data Protection Act, or to request a copy of the information we hold on you, please write to Data Protection, The Vegetarian Society, Parkdale, Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4QG or phone on 0161 925 2000. If you would like us to send you a copy of the information we hold on you, please send a cheque for £5 payable to The Vegetarian Society.