The Fundraising Code of Practice has been updated to reflect GDPR! Make sure you read it

Last week I wrote an article about the importance of following the Fundraising Code of Practice. It applies even if you are involved in only the smallest amount of fundraising. Read that article here.

The Fundraising Regulator has now just reissued the Code. It has been very specifically updated to reflect data protection issues and will come into force on 25th May 2018 at the same time as the GDPR regulations kick in.

You can read a press release about the new version of the Code here.

Specifically the revised Code sets out the rules for fundraisers regarding personal data. The changes:

– Ensure consistent terminology between the Code & GDPR;
– Emphasise that any activity involving personal data (including wealth screening, data matching, tele-appending and reuse of public information) falls under processing and that data protection rules apply;
– Create new sections on Data Protection and Direct Marketing;
– Add and expand definitions for key terms, including “processing”, “consent” and “legitimate Interest”;
– Increase links to existing guidance from the ICO, the Fundraising Regulator and other relevant bodies.

So now is the time to review the new Code, and as well as getting your data protection approach sorted out to meet GDPR, you can ensure your fundraising is in order too. Make sure you share it with all your trustees, managers, and key staff or volunteers who are involved with fundraising.

This is not to be ignored – especially in light of trust issues with the charitable sector raising their ugly head yet again in the news. The Fundraising Code of Practice exists to give confidence to the public, but it will only work if we read it, understand it and implement it.

Use this newly released Code as an excuse to check through what you’re doing.