GDPR: Some Did, Some Don’t

Last January, the letters GDPR caused me something of a headache. Other pastors and churches were scrabbling around, attempting to make themselves data-compliant. One I knew spent £150 on guidance and policy templates. I too recall writing policies in time for the trustees to approve them. I’m pleased to say we are compliant. I’m glad that organisations cannot store information about me that they do not need. Nevertheless, many of us recall receiving fraught letters from charities and others asking us to reply to them to confirm they may keep writing to us. I used this as an opportunity to reduce the amount of junk mail I got and replied to very few. Interestingly, I’ve continued to receive postings from organisations like the Leprosy Mission and Bible Society, though I’ve not given them permission to retain my details. Worthy work though they do, I feel they spend too much of their donors’ money keeping their donors updated with their need for more donors’ money.

It’s interesting that some of the biggest charities don’t seem to be as bothered about GDPR. Perhaps a mountain was made from a molehill. Or perhaps these large, professionally-run charities should be more careful about their conduct.