FirstClass logo

GDPR is back … here’s how FirstClass is tackling it

Many things have changed because of Covid. Strangely enough, GDPR is one of them.

 

Prior to the pandemic, it was ALL about GDPR. In fact, organisations were falling over themselves to be compliant. And then priorities shifted in the wake of a pandemic.

 

But GDPR is back on charities’ radars. Fortunately, FirstClass prioritised GDPR before 2020, so now that it’s back on the priority list, we’ve got everything charities need to be compliant when it comes to bequest management.

 

Here are five FirstClass features that can help charities support data protection and comply with GDPR.


1.  Anonymise and pseudonymise


We’ve developed an anonymisation and pseudonymisation function, which protects everyone’s records within the FirstClass platform.

 

With FirstClass anonymise, for example, all individual identifiers are removed, so there is no way of establishing someone’s identity. Or, if that feels too extreme for some, FirstClass pseudonymise enables users to remove identifiers from the record but retain the ability to reallocate them later. Both aspects can be managed on an individual or bulk basis.


2.  Jog your memory


With FirstClass’s Review Reminders function, users can set reminders against legacies stored within their system so that they receive data management prompts at pre-programmed times or regular intervals.

 

For example, a charity may want to set reminders that prompt them to anonymise or pseudonymise data every six weeks. 


3.  Take the faff out of fetching

 

Everyone knows that effective and secure data storage is critical. But what about retrieving data? In our view, having the facility to retrieve the data you need—whenever you need it —is as important as being able to safely store it.

 

With that in mind, we’ve made collating data seamless. Now, if you need to respond to a subject access request or need to address a disclosure requirement, the FirstClass multiple search criteria function lets you fetch data just as easily as you stored it.

 

4.  Encryption enabled

 

FirstClass facilitates transparent data encryption, which means encryption can be activated at even an individual file level.

 

It’s important to note that this can only be executed if your charity’s server supports this function. If it does, ALL database and backup files can be protected via encryption.

 

5.  The ‘D’ word

 

No, we’re not talking about data – but the word ‘delete’. People often feel a little uneasy when the words ‘data’ and ‘delete’ are uttered in the same sentence. But sometimes, deletion is the best way forward if the data is no longer required.

 

FirstClass enables users to delete people and contacts from the system permanently – but only those with valid access and security rights can do this.

 

When it comes to bequest management platforms, GDPR is becoming increasingly important.

 

To find out exactly how it affects you and how FirstClass can help you manage it, contact the team on 01257 272730 or email info@clear-software.co.uk.

A young woman in a wheelchair holds the hand of her friend who is standing behind her
By Tayla Brand December 3, 2024
Since it was formed in 1911, Macmillan Cancer Support has grown into one of the largest British charities. Raising money to provide vital cancer services, campaign for better cancer care and support the cancer workforce, Macmillan Cancer Support is now nationally recognised and hugely respected.
A patient undergoing an eye examination
August 12, 2024
The Macular Society was founded in 1987 to provide support for people with Macular Disease – a degenerative condition that impacts the macula, which forms part of the retina at the back of the eye.
Two women looking at a laptop screen
June 4, 2024
'Emailing!' we hear you cry. 'How is that a feature?'. Email is as prevalent as pen and paper – if not more so. Everyone uses email, but it's crucial to understand how it can be used within the FirstClass platform. Email is critical in helping charities build an online presence. Here are four reasons we believe email deserves a FirstClass feature showcase. 1. Hit send If you rely on an external platform to send and receive emails, then you’re operating outside FirstClass’s secure environment. And it’s one more platform to manage, too. With FirstClass, you can email anyone and everyone related to a specific case. The software works seamlessly with all versions of Outlook, making integration easy. Additionally, you can eliminate email-related admin, which is inevitable when using a third-party email provider. Any email addresses that aren’t on the system can easily be imported. Oh, and everything’s ringfenced, so that only those with admin rights can send emails. 2. Log it When it comes to incoming emails, all attachments, notes, and tags can quickly be logged into the system. So, users can easily track specific items if they've attributed a keyword or search term to them when they go into the legator's records. If, for example, you've previously logged a copy of the will, you can locate and recall that specific document by searching 'copy of the will'. 3. Flexible templates With FirstClass, users can easily create letter templates. While they look exactly like standard printed letters, they can be emailed to anyone in seconds, saving charities time and money in postage fees. Additionally, users can incorporate their own branding, such as logos and fonts, so that all digital communication can be on brand and consistent with other assets. 4. Scans well With FirstClass’s email import attachment wizard, users can log critical documents – such as estate sales brochures, Smee & Ford notifications and sensitive information relating to a case – almost instantly with the scan-to-email functionality. Once an item has been scanned and emailed to the user, they can use the importing attachment tool to select which attachments they would like copied from the email to the FirstClass directory. Ready to go paperless and futureproof your organisation? Contact the FirstClass team on 01257 272730 or email info@firstclass-software.com .
Share by: