The Data (Use and Access) Bill passed both Houses of the UK Parliament on 11 June 2025 and now awaits Royal Assent. Among the key reforms being introduced by the Bill are new powers to establish Smart Data schemes and a statutory trust framework for Digital Verification Services.

This bill proposes new soft opt-in laws for UK charities. This will have a potentially positive impact on all charities, including many industrial heritage sites, since charities would be able to send marketing emails to previous engagers, even without explicit consent. The DMA (Data & Marketing Association) UK believes that “the ‘soft opt-in’ could help unlock up to £290 million annually to charity fundraising”. Charity Digital estimates that the sector has lost four million donors since 2019, so these new changes could help many heritage-based charities in raising monies and networking with potential donors.

For more details follow this link: https://charitydigital.org.uk/digital-fundraising