How we keep your information safe
The RSPCA uses appropriate technical measures to ensure that we keep your information secure, accurate and up to date.
For example, our online forms are encrypted and our network is protected and routinely monitored. Within our offices, only those individuals who are trained to handle data securely and who have a business need to access your information will be granted access. We have also put in place appropriate security measures to prevent your personal data from being altered, disclosed or accidentally lost or used or accessed in an unauthorised way.
If we engage a third party to act on our behalf, we undertake comprehensive checks to ensure that the contract sets out our expectations and requirements, particularly regarding access to the personal information they collect and how it is to be managed on our behalf. Organisations that work on our behalf are referred to as 'data processors' which means that over and above the contract in place between us, they have legal obligations about how your data is used.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. These websites have their privacy policies and the RSPCA cannot accept any responsibility or liability for these policies. We strongly advise that you read the policies of these third-party websites before you submit any personal data to them. You can find out more information about our use of cookies.
Despite all precautions and appropriate security measures, the internet is not a 100% secure means by which to transmit information. We do our best to protect personal information but the RSPCA cannot guarantee the security of the personal data you share with us online and as such, any information you disclose is at your own risk. However, any payment card details (such as credit or debit cards) we receive on our website are passed securely to our payment processing provider according to the Payment Card Industry Security Standards.
Persons at risk
We place great importance on the safety of persons at risk. On occasion, if we deem it to be necessary, we may record on our database that a supporter or service user is vulnerable or at risk. We do this to ensure that we are adequately protecting and supporting them in their engagement with the RSPCA, or complying with requirements under charity law and the Code of Fundraising Practice to ensure that we do not fundraise from them.
Children's personal information
We are committed to protecting the privacy of young people. Young people may engage with the RSPCA in a number of ways
- take out a Young RSPCA membership or join Animal Action Club
- take part in educational events at schools; or
- enter our competitions such as our RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
Our competitions and fundraising events may request specific information about the age of participants. Where appropriate, we will seek consent from a parent, guardian or carer before collecting information about young people under 13.
For young people aged between 13 and 17, we request that the individual inform their parents or other legal guardian before continuing with any service they wish to request from us. We aim to have clear, separate privacy notices for children so that they can understand what will happen to their personal data, and what rights they have.
