# General Data Protection Regulation

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/06/09/general-data-protection-regulation/
- Published: 2017-06-09T18:08:10+01:00
- Author: Finbar Cullen

I attended an event on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) this week. 
It was organised by the Institute of Fundraising, and is part of a [series](http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/events-and-training/iofevents/half-day-events/?utm_source=IoF%20Homepage&utm_medium=Square%204&utm_campaign=Corporate%20Partnerships%20conference%202017)
of half day events taking place around the UK in June and July. The main speaker
was a solicitor from Birketts. It was very thorough and helpful, providing useful
information for charities. However, it was not designed for me as a freelance prospect
researcher.

 

From time to time, I continue to wade through the plethora of documents produced
by the ICO, Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator. While Factary and Prospecting
for Gold do not seem about to fold, I am not yet convinced that I can continue to
work as a freelance prospect researcher. I have contacted a local firm of solicitors
for advice and am waiting to hear back from them. Will I end up paying for advice
which will leave me uncertain that I may continue to work as a freelance prospect
researcher? Unsurprisingly the solicitors are pretty snowed under at the moment,
as organisations try to prepare for the introduction of the GDPR in May 2018. If
I can wait that long, I _might _find the reassurance I need at the Institute of 
Fundraising Consultants’ Special Interest Group meeting in September. If I am correct,
then all freelancers could be in a vulnerable position if they handle data covered
by the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

## Advertisement

 

Perhaps in the fullness of time, as I learn more about the regulations and guidance,
I may eventually be in a position to stop working as a freelancer and find a job
where part of my responsibilities might be providing guidance on adhering to the
GDPR and guidance.

 

Finbar Cullen, [Research**Plus**](http://www.researchplus.co.uk/)

 * **[Data Protection and freelancers (prospect research and database screening)](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/07/17/data-protection-freelancers-prospect-research-database-screening/)**(
   17 July 2017)
 * **[Complete Guide to Social Media for Raffles and Lotteries](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/09/01/complete-guide-to-social-media-for-raffles-and-lotteries/)**(
   1 September 2017)
 * **[Data Protection (oh yes)](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/09/06/data-protection-oh-yes/)**(
   6 September 2017)

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