Does anybody know what the Data Protection implications are for storing Donor's bank account information.
Currently, we record the Sort Code, Account Name, and Account Number for all donations received by cheque. I find this useful in terms of searching for donors by their account number, and also for deduping. However, I have recently been told that this may contravene Data Protection. Has anybody looked into this before.
Any advice would be appreciated.
To echo what Gerry said, I
To echo what Gerry said, I think it's doubtful you can justify recording bank details from donor's cheques. Why would you need such information, what would you use it for, and how could you keep it totally secure?
The only thing you might like to store is whether the bank the donor uses is a private bank, as this indicates wealth and whether the donor might be suitable to be approached as a potential major donor.
Recording bank details as you describe would need to be made explicit to the donor, if you want to follow data protection legislation absolutely to the letter.
Hope this helps
Data Protection
Hi, Kevin
There are two questions here - are you only collecting info that you need, and how are you keeping it secure?
Sorry, three questions - do your donors know (ie have you told them) that you are taking this info off their cheques and retaining it?
Check out the advice on the Data Protection Registrar's website, and if you're not clear, give them a call. Instinctively, I'd say this is questionable. If it's a cheque, why do you need the account no?
Cheers
Gerry
Gerry Beldon FInstF
Director, 26-01 CIC
www.26-01.com