The UK GDPR has been a part of life for the third sector for over three and a half years. Most of the information and tips regarding data protection and privacy compliance, however, focus on the commercial sector.
This can be deceptive in that it provides an impression to some that the UK GDPR rules do not apply to charities or that compliance is not a vital consideration for the third sector. In fact, the opposite is true.
Charitable organisations rely heavily on being able to process personal data to perform essential functions including fundraising and coordinating volunteers and funds, so they reach the people who need help.
At LawBite, we are committed to providing the legal assistance that charities need to achieve their objectives and provide desperately needed support to vulnerable people, animals, environments, and other causes. Below is a brief guide to UK GDPR compliance for charities.
UK GDPR Principles
When it comes to compliance, it is helpful to understand that the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations are designed to give people control over their personal data and ensure those operating in the public, private, and third sectors invest in the necessary steps to protect people’s information and privacy.
The principles of the GDPR are as follows:
- Data must be processed lawfully, transparently, and fairly.
- Data can only be processed for specific purposes that the data subject must be aware of such purposes.
- Organisations must keep personal data secure and protect it from unlawful processing, destruction/damage, or loss.
- Only necessary information should be collected - all data collected and stored should be adequate, relevant, and limited to a specific purpose.
- Personal data should not be stored longer than is necessary.
- Retained personal data should be accurate - inaccurate data should be corrected and/or deleted.
All organisations must demonstrate accountability in relation to data protection compliance and keep records as to the steps they have taken to ensure the above principles are met.
Top tips for charities concerning UK GDPR compliance
To ensure your charity complies with UK GDPR rules, commit to the following policies and procedures:
- Invest in adequate staff training on UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. The aim should be to establish a culture of privacy compliance that infuses through the entire charitable organisation, from the trustees through to the call centre.
- Be transparent about why you are collecting and processing people’s personal data and ensure you get consent from all data subjects.
- Make withdrawing consent simple.
- Invest in data protection and cyber security so people can trust that you will keep their information safe.
- Keep meticulous records on all the steps you take concerning UK GDPR compliance.
To find out more about UK GDPR rules for charities, please contact our Data Protection Solicitors today.
Get legal assistance from LawBite
The GDPR rules for charities can be difficult to navigate. LawBite’s mission is to democratise how SMEs get the expert law they need - easier to access, clearer to understand and much more affordable. We connect you with the best lawyers to give you top-class legal advice. We hope this article has been helpful as an introductory guide to what you need to know regarding the UK GDPR for charities.
