What is Beacon?

Why do we use it?

• It means we can hold your personal data securely and safely without the risks associated with holding such data on personal computers or laptops.
• It helps us and our group leaders comply with the General Data Protection Regulations. There is no need for group leaders to routinely collect or hold your personal data
• It allows committee members to communicate with the wider u3a membership whilst maintaining members privacy.
• It helps Group Leaders to manage the membership of their groups
• It allows Group Leaders to email the members of their own groups whilst maintaining members privacy.
• You as a member can access and update your personal information and you can renew your subscription online

As a member what can I do on Beacon?

It is really important that the information we hold is up to date, otherwise you may miss out on important communications.

You can change your personal details:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone numbers
• Email address

Please note: We do not routinely collect Emergency contact details. Where necessary these will be collected per event or excursion.

You can also hide your contact details from Group Leaders if you wish. The Group Leaders will still be able to email you but will not be able to see your address or telephone numbers. This will apply to every group of which you are a member. Therefore, please consider carefully before ticking this box.

You can join and leave groups

You will see all the groups we run.. You will see which groups you are a member. In some cases you will be able to join the group online.

You can renew your membership

Our membership year starts in April and from February onwards you can renew your membership and pay your fees. This is through a secure payment system either by credit or debit card, or if you have one, your PayPal account.

• Note: If you have a PayPal account and are logged into PayPal on your device are using, you will be taken straight to PayPal.
• If you are not logged into PayPal on the device, you will be offered a choice to either login to PayPal, or create a PayPal account OR use your debit / credit card
• Whilst PayPal handles the payment to us, there is no necessity to have a PayPal Account

How do I access Beacon as a Member?

To access the Members Portal you will need register yourself with the following information:

• Membership Number - found on your membership card
• Name
• Post code
• Email address