ARNO & RNOC Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

1. Who We Are

The Association of Royal Navy Officers (ARNO) and the Royal Navy Officers’ Charity (RNOC) are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy.

This policy explains how we collect, use and protect your information in line with:

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
• Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA)

If you have any questions, you can contact our Data Protection Lead at enquiries@arno.org.uk.

2. The Information We Collect

We only collect information we genuinely need to provide our services. This may include:

• Identity details (name, rank, service history)
• Contact information (email, address, phone number)
• Membership information
• Donation and payment details
• Welfare and support information (for RNOC beneficiaries)
• Website and cookie data (analytics, device information)

We do not collect more data than necessary.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

• Manage ARNO memberships and member benefits
• Process RNOC welfare and grant applications
• Provide charitable support
• Send newsletters, updates and event invitations
• Maintain financial and donation records
• Improve our website and services

We never sell your personal data.

4. Our Legal Bases for Using Your Data

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Contract – to manage your membership
• Legal obligation – charity law, accounting, Gift Aid
• Legitimate interests – including DUAA‑recognised public interest and safeguarding
• Consent – for optional communications
• Vital interests – in welfare emergencies
• Public task – for RNOC’s charitable public benefit work

For special category data, we rely on explicit consent or the substantial public interest condition for benevolence.

5. Sharing Your Information

We may share your data with trusted partners such as:

• Welfare organisations (SSAFA, RBL, RNRM Welfare)
• Accountants, auditors and regulators
• IT and email service providers
• Government bodies when legally required

All partners must protect your data in line with UK GDPR.

6. International Transfers

If we need to transfer data outside the UK (for example, to support overseas beneficiaries), we use appropriate safeguards such as:

• UK adequacy regulations
• Standard Contractual Clauses
• DUAA‑recognised international agreements

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your information only as long as necessary:

• Membership data: membership period + 1 year
• Financial records: 6 years
• Welfare records: as required for safeguarding and legal obligations
• Email preferences: until you update or withdraw them

8. How we protect your data

We use a range of security measures to keep your information safe, including:

• Access controls
• Secure storage systems
• Encryption where appropriate
• Staff and volunteer training

9. Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access your data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion
• Restrict or object to processing
• Request data portability
• Challenge automated decision‑making
• Make a complaint to the ICO

We respond to all requests within legal timeframes.

10. Cookies & Website Data

Our website uses cookies in line with PECR:

• Essential cookies – required for site functionality
• Optional cookies – used only with your consent
• Analytics – limited, low‑risk analytics permitted under DUAA

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time.

11.Data Breaches

If a data breach occurs, we will:

• Assess the risk quickly
• Notify the ICO within 72 hours if required
• Inform affected individuals where necessary 

 12. How to contact us

Data Protection Lead

ARNO & RNOC

70 Porchester Terrace, London, W2 3TP

Email: enquiries@arno.org.uk

Phone: 0207 402 5231