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 October 30, 2025
With the upcoming retirement of Microsoft SQL Server 2016 on 14th July 2026 , we want to ensure you're aware of how this may impact your use of FirstClass. If you're using FirstClass 4 Web, Essentials, or Cloud , there's no action needed - your database is fully managed by us. If you're using FirstClass 4 In-house , then this update is important. Please review your setup or speak with us and/or your IT team to ensure you're prepared. To check your database type, open FirstClass , go to the System page from the main window, and look for whether you're using Microsoft SQL Server or Azure SQL Database . How to check your SQL Setup in FirstClass Open FirstClass and go to the System page (see below) from the main window, and look for whether you're using Microsoft SQL Server or Azure SQL Database . Locate the SQL Server Edition field: If it shows SQL Azure, you're using the cloud-based Azure SQL Database version. No action is needed - Microsoft handles updates automatically. If it shows something else like Standard or Enterprise Edition , you're using the traditional on-premise version. This requires manual updates and will eventually go out of support. Next, check the SQL Server Version field: This will show a numeric value (e.g., 13, 14, 15, 16). If your version is 13 or lower , you should begin planning with your IT department and our support team to upgrade your database server before support ends. Why it matters Security : Unsupported versions no longer receive security updates, leaving your systems vulnerable. Compliance : Many regulatory frameworks require supported software. Performance : Newer versions offer better performance, scalability, and features. If you're unsure about any of the above? Log a support ticket and we’ll be happy to assist.
By Fiona Paton October 27, 2025
Microsoft’s New Outlook for Windows Whilst it became generally available in August 2024, it is currently not supported by FirstClass d ue to integration limitations. The New Outlook cannot facilitate outbound sending or importing of emails from other applications, and it does not yet provide the full functionality available in Classic Outlook. What this means for you: Computers running FirstClass must continue using Classic Outlook to maintain full functionality. Microsoft encourages users to try the New Outlook, so be aware of this prompt if you rely on FirstClass for email integration. Guidance for users: Look for the New Outlook icon in the top-right corner of Outlook, see below Revert to Classic Outlook by clicking the slider to “off”, see below, and restart Outlook to switch back to Classic Outlook. For any issues with email integration, please contact our support team FirstClass remains fully compatible with Classic Outlook. Users are advised to retain Classic Outlook until full support for the New Outlook is confirmed, which is supported by Microsoft until at least 2029. Further details on extended support for classic Outlook can be found here.
Lady looking at a computer screen, happy
By Fiona Paton October 27, 2025
We're excited to announce that we're set to unveil FirstClass 5 Essentials, the first phase of the latest generation of our award-winning platform, in a move that is expected to cement our position as the charity’s choice of legacy management technology. Development on FirstClass 5 began in 2024 following significant investment from our parent company ClearCourse, and close collaboration with Paul Browne, Head of Legacy Administration at Legacy Link. Now, as part of the first phase of the rollout, FirstClass 5 Essentials will replace FirstClass 4 Web as the company’s most accessible product, which is geared towards smaller charities looking to transition from manual legacy management to modern-day, automated processes. Whilst the launch date of FirstClass 5 is yet to be confirmed, the unveiling of FirstClass 5 Essentials, which is scheduled for release before Christmas, will include new features not currently available in FirstClass 4 Web. These include a multi-charity view, for users who manage legacies for different charities within a group structure, and the ability to manage multiple legacies per legator, such as where pecuniary and residuary gifts stem from the same legator. A new issues function, which allows users to address legal and contentious issues, is also included. Hosted within the cloud to provide users with added security, FirstClass 5 Essentials is expected to radically modernise legacy case management via a much more accessible user interface, improved connectivity and integration capabilities with other systems such as Smee & Ford, and enhanced workflows that make the platform quicker to navigate and easier to use. Rich Mullens, Product Director at FirstClass, comments: