Access to Records and Record Keeping
This highly popular workshop provides clear, practical guidance on your non-profit’s obligations under the Societies Act (BC) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Participants learn exactly what records must be kept, how to manage personal and sensitive information responsibly, how to identify legal trouble spots before they escalate, and simple ways to organize and maintain documents. You’ll leave with the confidence and knowledge needed to keep your organization compliant, transparent, and protected.
This workshop is delivered in partnership with Law For Non-Profits, a BC-based organization that also offers free self-serve guides and templates that help non-profits avoid common legal pitfalls.
Suggested Participants
All non-profit leaders and managers involved in oversight or operations related to record keeping.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Understand the basics of the BC Societies Act and your record-keeping obligations under the Act
- Know how to comply with privacy requirements under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
- Identify common legal trouble spots in record-keeping and privacy—and know how to address them
- Recognize what official records your organization must keep and how to organize them effectively
Benefits
- Stay compliant with confidence – Get clear, up-to-date information on legal record-keeping and privacy requirements for non-profits.
- Reduce organizational risk – Learn how to avoid common mistakes that lead to legal exposure or privacy breaches.
- Organize your records effectively – Gain simple, practical strategies for structuring and managing documents so your organization is audit-ready.
- Strengthen transparency and trust – Demonstrate responsible stewardship of records and personal information to members, staff, funders, and the public
Topics Covered
- Legal Requirements Under the Societies Act & PIPA – What you must retain, protect, and make accessible
- Privacy and Record-Keeping Best Practices – Handling personal information, access requests, retention schedules, and secure storage
- Organizing Official Records – Practical approaches for managing, classifying, and maintaining core documents over time