Are we being overcautious regarding the Data Protection Act?
Howard Lake | 24 January 2013 | Blogs
I try to make sure that I work to the guidelines produced by the Researchers in Fundraising Special Interest Group (RiF). For example, I have always tried to avoid including any “sensitive personal data” as defined in the Data Protection Act.
I even exclude information on nationality, when downloading information form sources drawing on Companies House information. I am quite happy to indicate a connection with other jurisdictions, or support for relevant organisations, but try to be careful about how I phrase things.
However, I have recently discussed this with other prospect researchers, and have been led to believe that our approach may be way too cautious. Apparently we can in fact process “sensitive personal data”.
Advertisement
I am not sure that I can afford to spend loads of money on obtaining detailed legal advice, to confirm this, but I wonder, for example, if the “legitimate interests” gives us greater scope for action than many of us believe? If we have been overcautious, then we can process much more data. This can only help our efforts as prospect researchers and fundraisers.
I know they are all busy people, but maybe RiF could revisit this issue.
Finbar Cullen, Research Plus
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.