Authored By – Tory Cassie
Director of Nonprofit
In an increasingly data-driven world, the ways we collect, access, and share information are constantly evolving. For charities, navigating these changes can be challenging especially when new legislation comes into play. The latest development? The Data (Use & Access) Act, which aims to unlock the value of data across sectors while maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible data practices.
At mhance, we work closely with charities to help them modernise systems, unlock insights from their data, and stay compliant so naturally, we’ve been keeping a close eye on what this new Act means for the sector.
What is the Data (Use & Access) Act?
The Data (Use & Access) Act is part of the UK government’s wider strategy to support innovation, streamline data regulation, and boost public sector efficiency. It complements the UK’s post-Brexit data reforms (like the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill) and focuses on:
- Improving access to data across sectors (public, private, and third sector)
- Enabling responsible data sharing, particularly for research and public benefit
- Enhancing transparency and accountability in how data is used
Although it’s still early in its rollout, the Act is expected to impact how charities access, use, and share data especially when working with government bodies or digital platforms.
What It Means for Charities
- Greater Access to Public Sector Data
Charities may gain easier, more consistent access to datasets held by public bodies, which can support:
- Evidence-based service design
- Targeted outreach and campaigning
- Improved monitoring and evaluation
If your organisation works in health, education, or social care, the opportunities to use anonymised or aggregated data for impact could be transformative. At mhance, we help charities centralise and visualise this kind of data using Microsoft’s Power Platform, turning raw information into real insight with Dashboards and Power BI.
- Responsible Data Use is a Priority
With greater access comes greater responsibility. The Act emphasises:
- Clear data governance frameworks
- Ethical considerations when using personal or sensitive data
- Consent and transparency, particularly where data relates to vulnerable individuals
A Note on Soft Opt-Ins
While the Act primarily focuses on access and system integration, it’s a good time to revisit how your charity handles consent specifically when it comes to supporter communications.
Under UK data law, soft opt-ins allow you to send marketing emails or texts to people who’ve previously engaged with your organisation (for example, made a donation or registered for an event), provided:
- They were given the option to opt out at the time
- They are offered an opt-out in every message
The new legislation doesn’t change this—but it reinforces the need to manage preferences effectively. With the right CRM and communication tools in place, charities can remain compliant while keeping supporters engaged. We support many of our nonprofit customers in managing this through Dynamics 365 and Customer Insights.
- New Opportunities for Collaboration
The Act encourages collaboration between public services and the voluntary sector. This could lead to:
- Easier data sharing with councils, NHS bodies, or education providers
- More joined-up service delivery
- Collective insights that benefit entire communities
We’re already seeing charities exploring shared data models and cross-sector dashboards using Microsoft tools, initiatives that could now be further supported by this legislation.
- Data-Driven Fundraising and Reporting
Funders increasingly want evidence of impact and better data access makes that easier. With the right systems in place, charities can:
- Demonstrate need more clearly
- Track and report outcomes in real-time
- Automate reporting processes to save time
We regularly help charities harness Microsoft Power BI and other analytics tools to meet these demands, turning complex datasets into compelling, funder-ready visuals.
How Can Charities Prepare?
✅ Review your data policies – Ensure they’re aligned with the new Act and sector best practice.
✅ Upskill your team – Provide training on data handling, governance, and digital tools.
✅ Audit your systems – Are your CRM and reporting tools secure, scalable, and future-ready?
✅ Build strategic partnerships – Look for collaboration opportunities with public services or other charities.
✅ Engage stakeholders – Be transparent about how you use and protect their data.
Final Thoughts
The Data (Use & Access) Act represents a step toward smarter, more joined-up use of data across sectors. For charities, this is an opportunity to improve services, increase transparency, and build more meaningful relationships with funders and supporters.
At mhance, we’re here to help charities make sense of these changes—offering tailored solutions that empower data-driven decision making while staying compliant.
If you’d like to talk to our team about your data strategy or systems, get in touch and we’d be happy to help.