What is the GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new EU data protection law. It will come into effect on 25th May 2018. Even after we have left the EU our own legislation will still have to meet the GDPR standard. To achieve this the Data Protection Act is currently going through the UK parliament.

What will change?

Organisations will have more of a duty to ensure that members data is handled correctly and securely. It will be necessary for organisations to be clear and transparent about the data they are collecting, why it is required, and how long it will be stored.

How will GDPR affect The Boys’ Brigade?

Every organisation whether a business or charity will have to follow these new strengthened rules. Whilst lots of the changes can be handled by BBHQ, there will be some things that you’ll need to do at local level to make sure you’re keeping everyone’s data safe.

Some questions to start considering:

• What personal data for members do I hold?
• Is the information up to data?
• Is it required?
• Who has access to it?
• How is it stored? Is it held securely?

Online Brigade Manager (OBM) is an important tool the BB has introduced to assist Companies, Battalions & Districts in collecting, securing and providing access to data that follows data protection principles. Adopting the functions of OBM will help you in preparing for GDPR.

Keep an eye out for more information. We will provide detailed guidance via the e-bb news and the Spring 2018 Gazette.