OTTAWA – The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) is moving forward and commencing work on the development of the CAN/DGSI 100-11 – Data Governance for Community and Human Services standard, which is aimed at establishing comprehensive and secure data governance practices to safeguard the privacy of client and donor data within Canada’s community and human service providers.
Advancing standards pertaining to data governance is extremely important in today’s digital society. As many organizations provide community or human services that handle sensitive client and donor data, ensuring robust data governance practices are implemented is essential. The new standard, CAN/DGSI 100-11, will offer a comprehensive framework for organizations to follow to safeguard private and sensitive information about their clients and donors. By establishing guidelines and specifying minimum requirements for responsible, ethical and privacy-preserving data collection, storage, use, and sharing within the community and human services sector, CAN/DGSI 100-11 promotes responsible data handling and privacy protection. This standard sets a high bar for data governance practices, guaranteeing that client and donor data is treated with the utmost care, privacy, and security. Its implementation will play a vital role in maintaining trust, mitigating risks, and upholding the integrity of the community and human service sector in an increasingly data-driven ecosystem.
“ONN is excited to embark on this new project with DGSI and CCNDR as we support nonprofits across Ontario develop better, people-centred data practices that are rooted in equity, transparency, and accountability. Establishing data standards can help nonprofit organizations think about how to organize, document, and format their data so it can be better used and shared. ”
Neemarie Alam, Data Strategy Manager, Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN)
This new standard will also address the existing gaps in data governance practices within organizations that deliver community and human services. Since Canada’s community and human service providers deliver services and support to vulnerable and at-risk individuals, and collect client data, their data is considered sensitive and must be adequately protected. By addressing the risks faced by these organizations as they embrace new technologies for client and donor management, such as unauthorized use of client data, protection of donor data, preservation of organizational and sector reputation, and mitigating harm to vulnerable populations, this standard will help community and human service providers navigate the potential privacy and security challenges effectively.
Addressing these risks head-on, the new data governance standard for the delivery of community and human services marks a significant milestone in promoting the use of strong data governance. With this standard in place, these organizations and providers can confidently embrace technological advancements while upholding the highest standards of strong data governance. This initiative sets a new benchmark for the sector promoting privacy, security, and ethical practices that will shape the future of community and human services.
Get Involved
As an organization, we highly prioritize collaboration and openness in our standards development process. We firmly believe that the best standards are created through the collective effort of diverse stakeholders. Therefore, we extend a warm invitation to all interested parties to actively contribute to our ongoing work. If you are interested in contributing to the work to assist in the development of this new standard, please get in touch through the contact below.
Get in touch with Darryl Kingston, Executive Director of Standards for more information or to get directly involved.
For media inquiries:
Julia Hancock
Senior Project Manager, Standards
Digital Governance Standards Institute
julia.hancock@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Council
The Digital Governance Council is a member-driven organization that acts as a cross-sector neutral convener for Canada’s executive leaders to identify, prioritize and act on digital governance opportunities and challenges. The Council leads an Executive Forum for council members, sets technology governance standards through the Digital Governance Standards Institute and certifies the compliance of Canadian organizations in the management of the effective and efficient use of digital technologies. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.