DMCCA Compliance for Membership Organisations
DMCCA Compliance for Membership Organisations Made Simple
DMCCA compliance for membership organisations doesn’t have to be daunting. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) is changing how UK membership organisations manage digital subscriptions, renewals and cancellations. But this isn’t just legal housekeeping – it’s a chance to make your member experience clearer, more engaging and more resilient.
Our approach to DMCCA compliance for membership organisations helps your team respond with clarity and confidence, turning legal obligations into deeper trust and smarter member journeys.
Our DMCCA readiness for membership organisations approach helps membership teams respond with clarity and confidence, turning compliance into a springboard for deeper trust and smarter member journeys.
What is the DMCCA?
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) sets out new UK rules for how organisations manage subscriptions, auto-renewals and cancellations. It applies to any organisation offering recurring payments or services – including charities, professional bodies and membership clubs.
If you would like to know more read our latest article on DMCCA or visit our FAQ section.
Key DMCCA compliance requirements for membership organisations include:
Clear joining terms
Standalone renewal notices
14-day cooling-off rights
Simple, accessible cancellation processes
From compliance to stronger member connections
DMCCA compliance for membership organisations may feel like another legal box to tick – but it’s also an opportunity to improve the moments that matter most: joining, renewing and leaving. When handled well, these changes help you:
- Shift from passive renewals to more informed, connected relationships
- Build loyalty by giving members more control
- Reduce confusion, friction and drop-outs
- Use compliance touchpoints to reinforce trust and value
- Design experiences that feel clear, compliant and easy to use
By treating DMCCA compliance as a chance to improve your member journeys, you’re not just managing risk – you’re building long-term loyalty and resilience.
I you would like to know more, read our Latest Article on DMCCA or visit our FAQ section below.
Understanding the impact
£814 million
Estimated annual loss in revenue from improved consumer ability to cancel unwanted contracts.
£1.6 billion
Estimated annual cost to UK consumers from unwanted subscriptions
10% of Turnover
Non-compliance may result in penalties of up to 10% of global turnover, plus daily fines.
How we help with DMCCA compliance for membership organisations
Whether you need to meet new compliance requirements or want to use the DMCC Act as a springboard for a better member experience, we provide practical, human-centred support grounded in deep sector expertise.
Our goal? To turn legal obligations into long-term engagement gains.
DMCCA Compliance Audit for Membership Organisations
A focused, end-to-end review of how your join, renew and cancel journeys perform under the DMCC lens. We’ll surface risks, remove friction and improve clarity — so your processes meet the law and feel better for your members too.
Our DMCC compliance audit helps you:
- Map your journeys and key messaging against DMCC requirements
- Identify compliance risks and member pain points
- Create a clear, prioritised action plan
Tailored DMCCA Compliance Consultancy
For organisations with more complex systems, member types or governance structures, we offer bespoke consultancy. We work alongside your teams to build capability, align stakeholders and embed better journeys.
Our consultancy support helps you:
- Map your systems and communications landscape
- Test and improve journeys with your members
- Turn DMCC requirements into practical, deliverable actions
Why choose Agentic for DMCCA compliance?
We understand the real-world pressures that membership organisations face — from stretched teams and legacy systems to balancing governance, growth and now, DMCCA compliance.
Working with Agentic means you get:
- Trusted expertise across charities, professional bodies and community-led organisations
- Deep knowledge of membership operations, culture and decision-making
- Calm, confidence-building support — no jargon, no pressure
- Flexible delivery that fits your team’s capacity and tech setup
A long-term focus on member experience, not just short-term fixes
We’re here to help you act confidently, deliver value and protect what matters most — your member relationships.
What to do next
Whether you’re getting ready for new DMCCA requirements, improving your renewal journey or just need a clear place to start – let’s talk.
Our discovery calls are free, informal and genuinely useful. Get tailored advice on DMCCA compliance for your membership organisation.
DMCC Act: Frequently Asked Questions
This new legislation is already shaping expectations across the membership landscape. Here are some common questions we’ve been hearing from teams like yours—along with straightforward answers to help you get ahead.
Yes. The DMCCA applies to any organisation offering recurring payments in exchange for services or benefits – even if you’re a non-profit. If your members join online, receive digital or print content, or pay rolling fees, you’re likely within scope.
The Act applies to both digital and offline services, including:
Access to member portals, online events or CPD
Printed magazines or newsletters
Physical benefits like member cards or in-person support
Any offering that includes automatic or recurring payments
It’s a start – but probably not enough. Under the DMCCA, renewal reminders must be:
Standalone, not hidden in newsletters or general emails
Timed appropriately to give members a genuine chance to cancel
Clear and easy to act on, including opt-out instructions
An audit can help you spot gaps and avoid accidental non-compliance.
The DMCC Act received Royal Assent in May 2024. The key rules around subscriptions, renewals and cancellations are expected to take effect in Spring 2026, following secondary legislation. But organisations are advised to act now to avoid last-minute risk and disruption.
No exemptions have been announced. The DMCCA applies based on service model, not organisational status. Even if you’re a charity or union, the rules still apply if you use subscription-style journeys or provide ongoing access in return for a fee.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will enforce the Act. Penalties for non-compliance include:
Fines of up to 10% of global turnover
Daily penalties for ongoing breaches
Formal investigations, reputational damage, and public enforcement action
Poor design or misleading processes – even unintentional – could be flagged as “dark patterns.”
Start with a simple audit of your join, renew and cancel journeys. Understand what’s already in place, where the risks are, and how members actually experience the process. From there, you can make practical improvements over time — and show you’re taking compliance seriously.
Still have questions about DMCCA compliance?
You’re not alone. The DMCC Act is new, and while the core rules are confirmed, there’s still limited guidance on how it will apply to charities, professional bodies and other membership organisations.
If you’ve got questions we haven’t covered – or want to talk through what DMCC compliance means for your specific setup – we’re here to help.
Contact us or book a free discovery call with our team.