February 6, 2017

The ICO has informed eleven charities that it intends to fine them for breaching the Data Protection Act 1998.

The charities will be given 28 days to respond to the ICO’s findings. The ICO will consider representations made by each charity before making a final decision about enforcement action.

The charities were investigated by the ICO as part of a wider operation sparked by reports in the media about repeated and significant pressure on supporters to contribute.

The ICO is now focusing its attention on ensuring compliance within the charity and fundraising sector. A conference aimed at helping charities and other fundraising groups comply with the law will be held at Manchester Town Hall on 21 February.

The Fundraising and Regulatory Compliance Conference has been jointly organised by the ICO, Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator. It will set out the regulatory requirements and expectations for fundraising bodies and their boards under current and forthcoming data protection legislation.

Representatives from a range of charities, universities and umbrella groups will attend the event. The free, one-day conference is aimed at trustees and decision-makers. To read the ICO’s press release in full, click here.