Data Protection Act 1998

This act protects individuals' privacy by regulating how personal information, known in The Act as "personal data", is collected and used. The act applies to information stored electronically or in manual systems.

"Personal data" is any information that relates to a living individual who can be identified:

• from that information or,

• from that and other information in our possession or likely to come into our possession.

Personal data can include email addresses or telephone numbers, and The Act requires that personal information is:

• collected and used fairly i.e. we make it clear to people how we intend to use their information and whether it will be given to anyone else inside or outside the organisation.

• appropriate to the uses which have been agreed

• accurate

• stored for the minimum time relevant to the use for which it is collected

• stored securely

• disposed of securely once the use for which it has been collected has come to an end.

If you are likely to send information or newsletters to members, or contacts, via email you are required to have the recipients permission to send it, and if they request to be taken off your mailing list you must do so.

For simple guidelines see: Data Protection Good Practice Note - Charities and Marketing.

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