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Data Protection Act, 1984Pursuant to the Data Protection Act, 1984, the British Inflammation Research Association is obliged to inform its members and all prospective members that it holds certain personal data for its membership on a computer file. This information consists only of (a) name and address; (b) telephone number; (c) fax number. The primary purpose of this file is to allow the automated generation of mailing labels for the distribution of the Newsletter and other mailings of the Association. In addition, the membership list contained in the Annual Handbook of the Association is reproduced from this computer database, as a means of facilitating communication between BIRAs members.On occasion, mailing labels are provided to organisations, such as the publishers of reputable scientific journals or other scientific societies whose activities are considered to be of professional interest or value to the Association's members, e.g. if they are organising Symposia of interest to the membership. The Association claims exemption from registration under the Data Protection Act by subjecting its use of these personal data to the strict limitations given above. However, if any member of BIRAs objects to the retention of their data on a computer file, or their use in these ways, they should sign the appropriate place on the membership form. If they change their mind later, then they should inform the Membership Secretary in writing. Their data will then immediately be removed from the database and all subsequent Association-derived mailings will be handled manually. |
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