Privacy Policy for Professional Charter Association

This Privacy Policy was last updated on: 03 April 2025

At Professional Charter Association (referred to as “we”, “our”, or “us”), we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal data when you visit our website https://www.charterassociation.co.uk/ or interact with us. It also outlines your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using our website or providing us with your personal data, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

Professional Charter Association is a UK-based organisation dedicated to [insert a brief description of the organisation’s purpose]. We act as the data controller for the personal data we collect and process. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us using the details below:

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

a. Information You Provide to Us:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address.
  • Membership Information: Details provided when you apply for or renew membership with us.
  • Payment Information: Billing details and payment card information (processed securely via third-party payment providers).
  • Communication Data: Information you provide when contacting us via email, phone, or our website contact forms.

b. Information We Collect Automatically:

  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and other details collected through cookies and similar technologies.
  • Usage Data: Information about how you use our website, such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and links clicked.

c. Sensitive Data:

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data (e.g., health information, racial or ethnic origin) unless explicitly required and consented to for specific purposes.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

  • To Provide Services: To process membership applications, manage your account, and deliver services you have requested.
  • To Communicate with You: To respond to your enquiries, send updates about our services, and provide important notices.
  • To Process Payments: To securely process membership fees or other payments.
  • To Improve Our Website: To analyse website usage and improve functionality and user experience.
  • To Comply with Legal Obligations: To meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities.

We will only use your personal data where we have a lawful basis to do so, such as your consent, the performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, or our legitimate interests.

4. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. However, we may share your data with the following:

  • Service Providers: Third-party providers who assist us with website hosting, payment processing, email communications, and other operational services.
  • Legal Authorities: Where required by law or to protect our legal rights.
  • Professional Advisors: Such as accountants, auditors, or legal counsel, where necessary.

All third parties we work with are required to process your data securely and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect information about how you use our site. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. For example:

  • Membership data will be retained for the duration of your membership and for up to [insert time period] after your membership ends.
  • Financial records will be retained for [insert time period] to comply with legal and tax obligations.

When your data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymise it.

7. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data where it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit the processing of your data in certain circumstances.
  • Right to Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
  • Right to Object: Object to the processing of your data for direct marketing or other purposes based on our legitimate interests.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on your consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 1.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

8. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. These measures include secure servers, encryption, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. International Data Transfers

As a UK-based organisation, your data is primarily processed within the UK. If we transfer your data outside the UK (e.g., to third-party service providers), we will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent measures.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page, and where appropriate, we will notify you by email or other means.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any personal data.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at:

Email: chair@charterassociation.co.uk
Address: Professional Charter Association
Hamble Point Yacht Charters
Hamble Point Marina
School Lane
Hamble
Hampshire
SO31 4JD