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GDPR Compliance Overview

Introduction

Section titled “Introduction”

Emily Helps is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all users in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws. This documentation outlines our approach to GDPR compliance and how we handle personal data within our parish management system.

What is GDPR?

Section titled “What is GDPR?”

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that came into effect on May 25, 2018. It applies to all organizations that process personal data of individuals in the European Union, regardless of where the organization is based.

Key Objectives

Section titled “Key Objectives”
  • Protect Individual Rights: Ensure individuals have control over their personal data
  • Standardize Regulations: Create uniform data protection rules across the EU
  • Increase Accountability: Hold organizations responsible for data processing activities
  • Enhance Transparency: Require clear communication about data processing practices

Our Commitment

Section titled “Our Commitment”

Emily Helps is built with privacy and data protection at its core. We implement:

  • Privacy by Design: Data protection is integrated into every feature and process
  • Privacy by Default: Only necessary data is collected and processed
  • Transparency: Clear communication about what data we collect and why
  • User Control: Tools for individuals to exercise their data rights
  • Security: Robust technical and organizational measures to protect data

Scope of Application

Section titled “Scope of Application”

GDPR compliance applies to:

  • Personal data of parishioners and community members
  • Staff and volunteer information
  • Sacramental records and church registers
  • Communication and contact information
  • Any other personal data processed through Emily Helps

Key Compliance Areas

Section titled “Key Compliance Areas”

Our GDPR compliance framework covers:

  1. Data Protection Principles - Core principles governing data processing
  2. Legal Basis for Processing - Lawful grounds for processing personal data
  3. Data Subject Rights - Individual rights under GDPR
  4. Data Security - Technical and organizational security measures
  5. Data Retention - How long we keep personal data
  6. Data Breach Management - Procedures for handling security incidents
  7. Privacy by Design - Building privacy into our systems
  8. Data Processing Agreements - Contracts with data processors
  9. Email Provider Comparison - GDPR-compliant email service selection
  10. Google Workspace GDPR - Comprehensive Google Workspace compliance guide

Roles and Responsibilities

Section titled “Roles and Responsibilities”

Data Controller

Section titled “Data Controller”

The parish or diocese using Emily Helps acts as the Data Controller, determining:

  • What personal data is collected
  • Why it is collected
  • How it is used
  • How long it is retained

Data Processor

Section titled “Data Processor”

Emily Helps acts as a Data Processor, processing personal data on behalf of the parish according to documented instructions.

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Section titled “Data Protection Officer (DPO)”

Organizations may need to appoint a DPO if they:

  • Are a public authority
  • Engage in large-scale systematic monitoring
  • Process special categories of data on a large scale

Getting Started

Section titled “Getting Started”

To ensure GDPR compliance when using Emily Helps:

  1. Review all sections of this documentation
  2. Assess your data processing activities
  3. Document your legal basis for processing
  4. Implement appropriate security measures
  5. Train staff on data protection procedures
  6. Monitor compliance regularly

Questions and Support

Section titled “Questions and Support”

If you have questions about GDPR compliance or need assistance:

  • Review the detailed documentation in each section
  • Contact your Data Protection Officer
  • Reach out to Emily Helps support team
Section titled “Related Documentation”

Last updated: October 2025