Data protection rules for Charities to be tighten up by the Fundraising Regulator

The Fundraising Regulator is planning to consult with regards to codes on data protection in relation to fundraising practice, in light of the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation, which will take effect from next year and recent concerns relating to data used by charities on donors.

Significant changes to data protection code were last made in the first quarter of 2016. The Fundraising Regulator has stressed upon the need of some urgent changes to the code after reviewing it during the summer.

Updates are required due to the issues highlighted in the penalty notices given by the Information Commissioner’s office (ICO) in 2016 and 2017 to a number of charities against breaches of data protection code including data matching, wealth screening and tele appending.

In light of the findings by National Council of Voluntary Organizations (NCVO) working group in September 2016, into the relationships charities share with their donors, there are plans to establish guidelines with regards to the need to update the data protection code in order to take account for the GDPR and related guidance ahead of May 25, 2018, when it becomes law.

The objective of the consultation is to make the code as per the requirements of the GDPR and to make the duties of the fundraiser in connection with data protection as clear as possible.

This comprises of areas focusing on the need to recognize the implications of data protection and to adequately manage personal data of individuals and to provide information to the individuals regarding how their personal data will be used.

The code provides guidance regarding the standards which all the charities across the UK will be required to show compliance with. The regulator is  seeking advice on the changes proposed to the code as well as the reordering of the code and also on how it can make sure that all the changes made are communicated and executed effectively.

The deadline for comments is December 8, 2017.