The DPO Centre announces the latest Charity and Community Fund beneficiaries

The DPO Centre is very pleased to announce the latest recipients of our Charity and Community Fund. 

We received 44 applications from a diverse range of charities and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations across the UK. Each application was carefully reviewed by our charity panel, which includes team members across all areas of the business. 

Seven beneficiaries were selected after an independent voting processA series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.. These organisations will have access to The DPO Centre’s team of experienced data protection professionals and receive practical advice and support, including compliance reviews, policy drafting, data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), and the creation and review of data sharing and data processing agreements.

Congratulations to the latest Charity and Community Fund beneficiaries! 

• OASIS Domestic Abuse Service – The charity provides comprehensive support, refuge, safe accommodation, and group programmes to individuals affected by domestic abuse in East Kent, Medway, and North Kent. 

• Central YMCA – This national charity delivers a range of educational, health and wellbeing, and fitness programmes to local communities, enabling everyone to achieve their potential, live a fulfilled life, and contribute positively to society. 

• Sands Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society – Sands provides bereavement support to everyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, whilst supporting research to better understand the causes of baby deaths, improve maternity safety, and save babies’ lives. 

• West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre – A charity offering specialised support to individuals affected by sexual violence across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. As well as counselling, WMRSASC also delivers early intervention and prevention services, non-criminal justice advocacy, and psychological education. 

• Chasing the Stigma – This national mental health charity aims to normalise and humanise conversations about mental health. They operate the UK’s largest digital mental health signposting platform, Hub of Hope, and provide training services, awareness-raising campaigns, and lobbying activities. 

• BeLifted Now CIC – Based across Barnet, Brent, and Camden, this NFP organisation uplifts women and girls from all backgrounds through educational support, mentorship, group classes and workshops.

• Julian House – Based across Southwest England, Julian House delivers more than 40 accommodation and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. They also run training programmes for adults experiencing homelessness or long-term unemployment, to learn new transferable skills and get back into education or employment.  

Ben Seretny, Head of DPOs, said:

‘We have once again been overwhelmed by the volume of applications we received for the Charity and Community Fund and are delighted to announce the latest beneficiaries. By sharing our knowledge and providing vital data protection assistance to these worthy organisations, we enable them to dedicate their efforts to their primary mission.’ 

The DPO Centre Charity and Community Fund has been running since July 2022, with three application rounds per year. Applications for the next round of funding will open on 1 October 2024, with eligibility criteria to include: 

• Charity or not-for-profit based in the UK  
• Management committee of at least 3 unrelated people  
• Bank account in the name of the charity/not-for-profit  
• Willingness to participate in a post-project case study  

Beneficiaries receive up to £10,000 towards consultancy services, but only billed for 20% of the normal fee. Unsuccessful organisations may re-apply for another round, but only one application per 12-month period will be considered.  

Read more about The DPO Centre’s Charity and Community Fund.  

For privacy updates, news, and helpful information, follow The DPO Centre on LinkedIn.