Law firm McCann FitzGerald LLP has launched a new data-protection guide designed specifically for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The guide was launched in association with the Public Interest Law Alliance (PILA) at an event to mark Pro Bono Week Ireland.

Pro Bono Week celebrates the role played by volunteer lawyers across Ireland in supporting access to justice for those in need.

The guide, developed by McCann FitzGerald’s data-protection team, provides an overview of data-protection law and its application to the charity and not-for-profit sectors.

Case studies

It focuses on both individuals’ data-protection rights, and the data obligations facing organisations.

It covers themes of particular relevance to charities and not-for-profit organisations – including direct marketing, and special categories of personal data.

The guide also outlines case-study examples of data-protection breaches that have been considered by the Data Protection Commission (DPC).

Mary Brassil (partner and head of pro bono at McCann FitzGerald) said that the not-for-profit sector, by the nature of its work, often held or processed personal data from donors or service users.

“The aim of this guide is to provide a practical tool to support their understanding of and compliance with data-protection obligations,” she stated.

A copy of the guide will be available on PILA’s website from 28 November.