Earlier this year, The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) announced the publication of Data Governance for the Delivery of Community and Human Services, a new National Standard of Canada. This standard provides organizations across the nonprofit and human services sector with a practical, equity-driven framework to govern the collection, storage, use, and sharing of personal and sensitive data.

Developed in close collaboration with leading nonprofits, funders, and digital policy advocates, this publication is a sector-specific response to the growing need for stronger, more consistent data governance practices in community organizations that are increasingly reliant on digital tools to deliver critical services.

The standard is particularly relevant to small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations that serve some of Canada’s most vulnerable populations. It offers concrete guidance for ethical and privacy preserving data management, while acknowledging the unique resource constraints and responsibilities of the sector.

Key components of the standard 

• Clear roles and responsibilities for data oversight and decision-making
• Requirements for obtaining informed consent and minimizing data collection
• Secure storage practices and access controls
• Ethical frameworks for data sharing, publishing, and equity-based governance
• Alignment with Indigenous data sovereignty principles, including OCAP®, and other community-led frameworks

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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.