Privacy Policy
Introduction
The Ballarat North Neighbourhood House Committee of Management is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information which the organisation collects, holds and administers. Personal information is information which directly or indirectly identifies a person.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for Ballarat North Neighbourhood House Inc. (BNNH) in dealing with privacy considerations.
Scope
This policy applies to all personal information collected by BNNH from participants, staff, volunteers, Committee of management members, and partners.
Policy Statement
BNNH collects and administers a range of personal information for the purposes of facilitating a range of activities, programs, events and services. The organisation is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information it collects, holds and administers.
BNNH recognises the essential right of individuals to have their information administered in ways which they would reasonably expect. This includes ensuring this information is protected but, when required, made accessible to them.
BNNH is bound by laws which impose specific obligations when it comes to handling information. The organisation has adopted the following principles contained as minimum standards in relation to handling personal information.
Compliance
BNNH adhere to the following laws in relation to privacy:
The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
The Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) of Schedule 1 of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)
Notifiable Data Breach (NDB) Act, 2017 (The privacy principles).
Where there are differences in these laws, BNNH adheres to the stricter requirements.
Transparency
BNNH provide clear information about the types of personal information we collect, explaining clearly why we collect it, how we use it, and the measures we take to protect it.
Collection of Information
BNNH collect personal information through various means, including correspondence, forms, surveys, conversations, and online interactions.
Use of Information
Personal information is used fairly and lawfully to provide quality services, organise events, support participants, staff and volunteers, and other related purposes. It will only be used for the purposes intended, with consent in line with safety limitations as prescribed by the applicable privacy principles.
Access and Correction
Individuals have the right to access and correct their personal information held by BNNH. We will continually update our information as requested and provided, to ensure it is accurate and complete.
Security
BNNH take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access. Personal information is only kept for the purpose it was intended and in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and/or the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) of Schedule 1 of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic), whichever is stricter.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information (e.g., racial or ethnic origin, disability status, health information) is collected only with consent and used for primary or related secondary purposes. This includes ensuring that we are providing a service that provides safe, accessible, and relevant services to marginalised communities and that the voices and lived experienced of these communities’ influence policies, procedures and activities of the organisation. The provision of this information is always optional and its use to the organisation made clear.
Third-Party Information
BNNH prefer to collect information directly from individuals. If obtained from third parties, we ensure individuals are informed.
Disclosure of Information
Personal information may be disclosed with consent or as required by law. The privacy principles allow for necessary information to be shared without consent, if it may lessen or prevent a serious threat to life, health or safety of any individual. If a disclosure is required, wherever safe and practicable to do so, BNNH will inform the person whose information is to be shared.
Complaints
We have procedures in place to handle privacy-related complaints and concerns. Individuals can contact the manager to resolve any issues.
Regular Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and compliant with current laws and best practices.
Contact Information
For any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us at: info@bnnh.org.au or Manager Ballarat North Neighbourhood House Inc PO Box 1068 Bakery Hill, VIC 3354