The Challenge of GDPR for Civil Society

Understanding GDPR compliance for NGOs is a pressing concern. While most available guidance focuses on business-to-consumer relations, nonprofits working in advocacy and public affairs can face very different challenges that require more targeted and context-driven advice. 

The Case: Practical GDPR Questions for NGOs

WWF sought clarity on several practical points of GDPR compliance, highly relevant to many civil society organisations.

In today’s volatile climate – both environmentally and politically – WWF wanted to make sure their practices aligned with their legal obligations.

The Beneficiary: WWF’s Mission and Advocacy

The WWF European Policy Office (EPO) works to ensure that the EU plays a leading role in tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. WWF’s vision is a future where people and nature thrive together, and influencing EU policy is crucial to achieving this change.

The Provider: Covington & Burling’s Expertise

Pro Publico stepped in to connect WWF with Covington & Burling LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms, where Pro Bono Lawyer Staś Kuźmierkiewicz connected WWF with a dedicated team of lawyers available to help.

Covington & Burling enjoys a stellar reputation at the intersection of law, regulation and public affairs. For this case, Associate Tomos Griffiths, together with Special Counsels Fredericka Argent and Paul Maynard, dedicated their time and expertise. Their careful and detailed approach ensured that WWF received practical and reliable advice.

The Work: Tailored GDPR Advice for Civil Society

The Covington team provided clear answers to WWF’s GDPR-related questions. They analysed the legal framework and translated it into concrete recommendations that WWF could apply in their daily work. Covington’s advice provided additional reassurance and clarity, verifying that existing procedures aligned with the GDPR while strengthening confidence in how they could be applied in advocacy and coalition work.

The Impact: WWF Empowered to Act Confidently

Thanks to Covington’s advice, WWF gained the clarity it needed to continue its advocacy work without hesitation. The deliverable was not only useful internally but also valuable for wider coalitions and partner NGOs. 

As Tycho Vandermaesen of WWF stated: “Covington’s advice on GDPR has been absolutely excellent. Thanks again for connecting us as it’s been a real help.”

Covington’s Tomos Griffiths stated: “It has been a pleasure to work with Tycho, Liesbeth, and the WWF EPO team on this matter. We look forward to continuing to support them on GDPR matters going forward. And thank you to Pro Publico for connecting us”.

This collaboration demonstrates the power of matchmaking: Pro Publico connected WWF with leading experts at Covington, who provided pro bono advice that directly strengthened civil society’s ability to advocate in Europe.

 

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Thanks to @TomosGriffiths, @PaulMaynard, @FrederickaArgent, @StaśKuźmierkiewicz, @Covington&Burling, @TychoVandermaesen, @LiesbethVandenBossche, @WWF_EU, Francesco Zatelli @ProPublico

 

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