Thin Blue Line UK

Privacy & Cookies Policy

1. Overview:

Effective From Date: Monday 20th October 2025
Last Updated:  Friday 19th June 2026

Thin Blue Line UK is committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. We process personal data in accordance with:

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

This Privacy Policy explains how and why we use your personal data, your rights, and how you can contact us.

By using our website, you acknowledge this Privacy Policy.

2. Who we are:

Name & Address: 

The Thin Blue Line UK Charity (Registration Number 1184042)

c/o The Mortgage Hut

Ground Floor Office

Seafarers Court

12–14 Queens Terrace

Southampton

SO14 3AS

Data Controller: Thin Blue Line UK .

Contact Email: admin@thinbluelineuk.org.uk .

3. What personal data do we collect:

We collect personal data when you:

• Register on our website;
• Make a purchase or donation;
• Subscribe to our newsletter;
• Contact us;
• Participate in events, fundraising or promotions.

We may collect your:

• Name;
• Email address;
• Phone number;
• Billing and shipping address;
• Organisation name;
• Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers).

4. How we use your data and the legal basis for doing so:

Purpose

Legal Basis

Process orders and donations                 

Contract

Send updates, marketing emails             

Consent

Respond to enquiries                                 

Legitimate interest

Improve website and services                 

Legitimate interest

Administer fundraising or promotions   

Consent / Legitimate interest

Comply with legal obligations                 

Legal obligation

Prevent fraud / protect users                   

Legitimate interests (including recognised legitimate interests where applicable)       

Where we rely on legitimate interests, we ensure your rights are not overridden.

5. Data Retention:

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:

• Financial records: up to 7 years;
• Gift Aid records: up to 6 years;
• Enquiries: up to 2 years;
• Marketing data: until you withdraw consent.

6. Your Rights:

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data;
• Correct inaccurate data;
• Request erasure;
• Restrict processing;
• Data portability;
• Object to processing;
• Withdraw consent at any time.

To exercise your rights, contact us by email: admin@thinbluelineuk.org.uk .

You may also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk

7. Data Protection Complaints (DUAA Requirement):

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to raise concerns about how we handle your personal data directly with us.

How to make a complaint:

• You can submit a complaint by email: admin@thinbluelineuk.org.uk .

Our process, we will:

• Acknowledge your complaint within 30 days;
• Investigate the issue appropriately;
• Keep you informed of progress;
• Provide a response and outcome without undue delay;
• If you are not satisfied with our response, you can escalate your complaint to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

8. Data Sharing & Transfers:

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share your data with:

• Trusted service providers (e.g. payment processors, hosting providers, email platforms);
• Legal or regulatory authorities where required.

Where data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (e.g. adequacy decisions or Standard Contractual Clauses).

9. Cookies and Similar Technology:

We use cookies to:

• Ensure website functionality;
• Analyse usage;
• Improve user experience;
• Support fundraising and e-commerce.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies – required for site functionality;
• Analytics cookies – help us improve our services;
• Functionality cookies – remember preferences;
• Advertising/social cookies – used by third-party platforms.

Changes under UK Law (DUAA):

Some cookies (such as limited analytics and functionality cookies) may be used without consent where permitted by law, provided that:

• We give clear information about their use;
• You are given a simple, free way to opt out.

All other non-essential cookies require your consent.

Cookie Control:

On your first visit, you will be given the option to:

• Accept cookies;
• Reject non-essential cookies;
• Customise your preferences.

You can change your preferences at any time via the “Cookie Settings” link.

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings.

Examples Cookies:

• _ga : Purpose (Analytics) – Duration (2 years);
• _gid : Purpose (Session Tracking) – Duration (24 hours);
• PHPSESSID : Purpose (Session Management) – Duration (Session);
• __stripe_mid : Purpose (Fraud Prevention) – Duration (1 year).

10. Email Marketing & Fundraising:

We may contact you with updates and fundraising appeals where you have:

• Given consent, or;
• Where permitted under applicable law.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails.

11. Automated Decision-Making:

• We do not carry out automated decision-making that has legal or similarly significant effects on individuals;
• If this changes, we will update this policy and provide appropriate safeguards, including the ability to request human review.

12. Children's Data:

• We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16 without parental consent;
• If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us and we will take appropriate action.

13. Changes to this Policy:

• We may update this policy from time to time;
• Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

14. Contact Us:

For any questions about this policy or your data, please contact by email: admin@thinbluelineuk.org.uk .