At the RFC Forum (rfcforum.co.uk), we are committed to protecting the privacy of our members. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information in compliance with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy.

Information We Collect

We collect personal data when you register for an account, interact within the community, or contact us directly. The information we may collect includes your name, email address, professional details related to Residential Family Centres, account credentials, and content you post within the forum. Additionally, we may collect technical data such as IP addresses, browser types, and device information to improve user experience and maintain security and community integrity.

How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used to manage user accounts, facilitate discussions, provide support, and enhance our services. We also use personal data to ensure compliance with our community guidelines, analyse website usage, and communicate with members about updates or changes. We do not sell personal data to third parties. Still, we may share necessary information with trusted service providers who assist in operating the platform or with legal authorities if required by law.

Third-Party Technologies

To enhance security, usability, and functionality, the RFC Forum website integrates third-party technologies:

  • Google reCAPTCHA – This tool helps protect our platform against spam and abuse by verifying that interactions are made by humans and not automated bots. Learn more about Google’s privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
  • Stripe Payment Gateway – Membership transactions are captured using Stripe to process payments securely. All payment details are handled directly by Stripe, including card payments and one-touch payment options like Google Pay. Read more about Stripe’s privacy policy at https://stripe.com/gb/privacy.

By using the RFC Forum website, you consent to the collection and processing of data by these third-party providers in accordance with their respective privacy policies. We encourage users to review these third-party policies for further details on how their data is handled.

Membership Payments and Renewals

RFC Forum offers a recurring membership model where payments are securely processed via Stripe. When you subscribe to one of our RFC Forum membership plans, Stripe will securely store your payment details to facilitate automatic recurring payments every 12 months. Unless cancelled before the future billing cycle, your membership will automatically renew, and payment will be made using existing card details. If you choose to cancel, your membership will remain active until the end of the current billing period, after which access to the site will be restricted and could be closed after a period unless renewed. You reserve the right to cancel your future payments

Data Security and Retention

The RFC Forum implements robust security measures to protect user data from unauthorised access, misuse, or loss. However, users are responsible for keeping their login credentials secure. If you suspect any unauthorised activity on your account, you should notify us immediately. We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil its intended purpose or comply with legal obligations. If you wish to delete your account and associated data, you can contact us to request removal, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

Under UK GDPR, users have the right to access their personal data, request corrections to inaccurate information, request deletion of their data, restrict certain types of processing, and request data portability. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, you can export your community content from your account tab, which can be found in your profile and is password-protected. Otherwise, please contact us at support@rfcforum.co.uk and reference ‘GDPR request‘ in the subject field.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

RFC Forum uses cookies and analytical technologies to enhance user experience and analyse website performance. Cookies help store user-specific preferences and streamline website functionality. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings; however, this may affect your experience on our site, which is outside of our support scope.

Privacy Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in regulations or operational practices, and it is subject to change at any time without prior notice. You are responsible for reviewing this policy on a regular basis. If you have questions or concerns, contact us at support@rfcforum.co.uk. Your continued use of the platform after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at support@rfcforum.co.uk.