The DPO Centre has launched a UK-wide survey to assess how charities are responding to the new charity soft opt-in rules introduced under the Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA).

The charity soft opt-in, available since February 2026, allows charities to send certain marketing emails and text messages without obtaining explicit consent, provided specific conditions are met. The change was welcomed across the sector as a way to boost supporter engagement and fundraising opportunities.

However, The DPO Centre has said early feedback suggests many charities have been slow to implement the new rules.

"We're hearing from charity clients that they're holding off on adopting the change, which was intended to drive major income increases for the sector," said DPO Centre data protection officer, Dom Newton.

"The survey hopes to understand why that is and allows us to start to address sectoral concerns," Newton added.

The short multiple-choice survey is open to organisations with a registered charity number and takes only a few minutes to complete. Findings will help inform future guidance, educational resources and discussions around the practical application of the charity soft opt-in.

The DPO Centre is encouraging charities across the UK to take part and share their experiences of the new regime. You can take the survey here.

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