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.

By Fiona Paton July 31, 2025
To shine a light on October’s Free Wills Month , an initiative designed to offer those aged 55 and over the chance to have straightforward wills written or updated free of charge, FirstClass and sister company Cymba have joined forces and are partnering with the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) to launch a project that illustrates the impact mobile messaging has on legacy giving. Whilst mobile messaging is typically associated with text-to-donate campaigns, the partnership between two companies that sit within ClearCourse’s stable of brands will showcase how this technology can be used to inspire people to leave legacies in their wills. The webinar, entitled “ How to Boost traffic to your Free Wills and Legacy pages ”, will be jointly hosted by the FirstClass and Cymba teams, and explore how emerging Rich Communications Services (RCS) technology, the evolution of SMS, can be used to drive engagement when it comes to legacy giving. The event will also provide charities with insights into how they can build trust when it comes to increasing donations and gifts by revealing tried and tested messaging formats that drive action. Charities will also learn how to highlight their free wills and legacy pages by harnessing RCS’s ability to implement branded quick-action buttons, and understand the difference in outcomes between SMS and RCS messaging via a dedicated split testing session. In the lead up to the webinar, which takes place on 11 September at 10:30 am, Cymba and FirstClass will be running test campaigns with several of the UK’s prominent charities, the results of which will be revealed during the session. On the event, Rich Mullens, Director at Cymba and FirstClass, comments: “ Regular givers are often among the most open to leaving a legacy. In this webinar, we’ll show charities how mobile messaging can help them engage these supporters more effectively and drive meaningful traffic, not only for donations but also to inspire gifts in wills. We’re delighted to unite these two brands, both of which are founded on helping charities boost donations via mobile messaging and increase their legacy giving, and we’re confident that attendees will leave feeling inspired to use new approaches. ” The new Data (Use and Access) Bill, which gives charities greater freedom to use the soft opt-in by enabling them to contact past supporters with relevant legacy messages without needing fresh consent, removes barriers to utilising RCS. This means that the benefits of RCS, such as the ability to use logos, images, video, and tap-to-act buttons, can be quickly and efficiently embraced by charities looking to incorporate this emerging technology. For more information on Cymba, FirstClass, and Free Wills Month, visit https://www.cymba.co.uk , https://www.firstclass-software.com , and https://freewillsmonth.org.uk ,  respectively.
June 2, 2025
FirstClass hosted an exclusive breakout space at the ILM Annual Conference 2025, and it was a great experience! Discover the event highlights and our team’s thoughts on the experience.
May 7, 2025
Are you attending this year's ILM Annual Conference? Discover three reasons why the FirstClass team is excited about this year's legacy management event.