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| 12 Oct 2023 | |
| Charity Sector News |
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) casts a wide net, encompassing organisations of all sizes and across various sectors. However, the implications of GDPR compliance stretch far beyond traditional corporate boundaries. Charities, particularly those engaged in fundraising and collecting donor information, are not exempt from its reach and must uphold their statutory obligations under this regulation.
A recent survey conducted in July 2023 by the Irish-based HR software company HR Locker has revealed some alarming insights. This survey, which polled 400 Irish HR professionals, found that an overwhelming three in four Irish HR departments had breached GDPR regulations in the past 12 months. It's a stark reminder that GDPR compliance remains a challenging task for various organizations, including charities.
Charities that rely on public fundraising and gather donor information are particularly susceptible to the complexities of GDPR. Like HR departments, they, too, must navigate the administrative maze that comes with GDPR compliance. A significant 62% of HR professionals reported that GDPR had negatively impacted their ability to focus on core functions, underlining the considerable administrative burden it imposes. Additionally, one-third of the professionals confessed that their teams faced a substantial skills gap in this area, accompanied by a lack of resources and training.
The survey pinpointed some of the most common GDPR breaches were insufficient consent, failure to respond to Data Subject Access Requests, and data retention. These issues mirror the challenges that charities face when handling donor data, emphasizing the critical importance of their commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and appropriate use of donors' data.
To help charities and their fundraisers navigate the intricate world of GDPR compliance, join Cii for our upcoming GDPR Masterclasses GDPR: Principals & Purposes with Michelle Hourican and Carmel Mulligan from Datatrails in Dublin on 15th November and Cork on 16th January 2024. These interactive masterclasses will delve into the crucial data protection issues that Irish charities face, equipping you and your team with the latest developments in data protection. The focus of these masterclasses will be on broadening your understanding of your responsibilities, ensuring that you remain fully up to date with the evolving landscape of GDPR.
