Keeping personal information safe
As a BHF volunteer, you will handle information about people. Data protection is all about how to keep this information safe.
It's important for you to take care when handling personal data. Proper handling of personal data shows that we respect our supporters' information. It's also a legal requirement.
Not handling data and records carefully can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- damaging trust in BHF
- negative media coverage
- legal issues
- fines.
Data protection laws provide rules to protect personal data. Although you don't need to know every detail of these laws, we ask that you review our guidance and follow it closely to ensure you're managing data safely and legally on behalf of BHF.
Key principles
Be clear and upfront
Only collect data if you need it to fulfil a specific purpose. Make it clear to supporters how you will use their data at the point of collecting it.
Keep your records up to date
Give supporters the choice to change their mind. Keep your records updated to avoid accidentally contacting people against their wishes.
Ask people whether they would like to hear from you
To contact people for marketing purposes, you must check how they want to be contacted. In the majority of cases you can only make contact if they respond to confirm that they do want to hear from you.
Our guidance
Resources
We've created 'Top Tips' and 'Q&A' resources for you to download.