Privacy Policy.
Privacy Policy
At Killy Cares we are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients. We believe that our clients should control who has their personal information and how it may be used. We are committed to respecting and safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality. We are committed to accountability and transparency. We will continue to strive for the highest possible standards as we comply with the Privacy Act and the National Privacy Principles. A copy of the National Privacy Principles can be found at http://www.privacy.gov.au/
What personal information might Killy Cares collect and why is it needed?
To enable us to fulfil our responsibilities as a provider of community support and as a registered charity we may need to collect some, but not necessarily all, of the following information: client’s name, contact details, Medicare details, next of kin, health status, level of risk, care preferences, and personal goals.
This information will be used to plan and provide the most appropriate services to those requesting assistance from Killy Cares, inform service users about other programs or service providers, conduct research on program performance, provide Government funding departments with information on program performance, and to conduct fundraising activities.
What will happen if I don’t provide some information?
Clients have the right to withhold information from us. Killy Cares may decide not to provide a service or may change the type or location of the service if information regarding safety or level of risk is not provided.
How do we collect my personal information?
Our clients or their advocates are our primary source of information. Wherever practicable, we will ask them for the information. However, we may need to contact others such as a doctor, a family member, agencies that assist them, and referees. We will ask permission before contacting anyone else.
We collect the information in person, in writing, by telephone, by fax and by email. We collect this information through our Volunteer Coordinator or Killy Cares committee members.
Who will see or have access to my personal information?
Client information will only be seen or used by persons working in or for Killy Cares. These people may include our committee members and volunteers assisting our clients. These people have all signed a confidentiality agreement and are fully aware of the need to treat client information with respect and confidentiality. Client information is restricted to those who need to use the information to provide our clients with a service or support and complete the administration for the service or support. There may be circumstances when we have to disclose information without our client’s consent, such as when:
The law requires Killy Cares to consult with the Police Service or NSW Family and Community Services regarding children perceived to be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect;
The law requires Killy Cares to report incidences of serious criminal offence – in keeping with the current NSW Crimes Act (e.g. serious violent crime, drug trafficking);
The law requires Killy Cares to act if we have serious concerns for the health or safety of a client or another person;
A court of law may subpoena a personal information file and Killy Cares is required by law to provide the file.
In the event that any of the situations described above should occur, we will make reasonable efforts to discuss the matter with our client as soon as possible.
When we have information provided by a third party, such as a government department, we will only use and retain this information for the time and purposes agreed with this party. If access to this information is requested by our clients or another party we will consult with the party that gave us the information before access is granted or refused.
Our information systems and files (electronic and paper) will be kept secured from misuse, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Information that is no longer current will be isolated and eventually destroyed two (2) years after a client’s last period or instance of assistance.
We will only use photographs or other personally identifying information of our clients in reports or promotions if we have their consent.
If a client believes there are errors in our records about them, they should let us know and we will be happy to investigate and correct any inaccuracies.
If a client has a concern or a complaint about their privacy
Respecting our clients’ privacy is very important to us and we make every effort to ensure this occurs. However, if a client believes we have breached their privacy rights in any way, or they would like to discuss any concerns they may have with our Privacy Policy, we urge them to contact us or the Privacy Commissioners:
CCC Privacy Officer: PO Box 512, Woy Woy NSW 2256
NSW Office of the Privacy Commissioner Phone: (02) 8019 1600 www.privacy.nsw.gov.au
The Australian Government’s Office of the Australian Information Commissioner Phone: 1300 363 992, or www.oaic.gov.au