Privacy Policy
The protection of personal information is important to the A P Hodgson & Associates (the firm) is committed to respecting the rights to and for privacy and the protection of personal information. This document sets out the following:
(a) How the firm collects personal and sensitive information
(b) Types of personal and sensitive information the firm may collect
(c) How the firm uses and discloses personal and sensitive information
(d) How individuals can access or seek correction of information held by the firm
(e) Who to contact regarding privacy issues and complaints
It is important to note that in providing your personal information to the firm, you consent to its use, storage and disclosure in accordance with the privacy policy statement.
This policy provides for the way in which the firm may collect, use, store and disclose information.
What personal and sensitive information does A.P. Hodgson & Associates collect?
Personal Information
Generally personal information is information from which it is possible to determine somebody’s identity and circumstances.
This information collected by the firm about a particular person will vary depending on the circumstances of the collection, for instance it may include but is not limited to a person’s contact details (name, email, postal address, phone number, date of birth, gender, credit card details, driver’s licence, passport number, qualifications or communications history with the firm).
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information is a type of personal information that also includes information about:
(a) racial or ethnic origin
(b) membership of any political, professional or trade association
(c) health or disability
(d) any other specific information relevant to the operations of the firm
The firm is required by law to obtain consent when collecting sensitive information. The firm will assume consent to the collection of all sensitive information as provided to it for use in accordance
with this privacy policy unless told otherwise.
How does A.P. Hodgson & Associates collect personal and sensitive information?
Information may be collected when you:
(a) Become a client of the firm
(b) Subscribe to any publication of the firm
(c) Provide details to the firm in an application form, consent form, survey or feedback form
(d) Enter personal information into, or agree to have any of your personal information entered into one of the firm’s online systems and in particular a database for electronic communication.
Access to A.P. Hodgson & Associates Website
(a) To contact the firm via email, telephone or mail or engage with the firm on any social occasion, media participation, any application for any project undertaken by the firm
(b) Participate in any program, activity, competition or event run by the firm
(c) Purchase merchandise, products or services from the firm
(e) Apply for employment with the firm
Providing information
Depending on the circumstances, some type of information will be required and others will be optional. If you do not provide some or all the information requested this may affect the firm’s ability
to communicate with you or provide the requested information or services.
By not providing the requested information you may jeopardise your ability to participate in any of the programs, positions, competitions, applications or positions or participate in any project undertaken by the firm. If it is impractical for the firm to deal with you as result of you not providing the requested information or consent, the firm at its absolute option may refuse to do so.
Storage and Protection
The firm stores information in different ways, including in paper and electronic form. Much of the information we collect from and about our clients is added to our database which is hosted by a third-party storage provider. When your information is entered into the database the information may be combined or linked with other information held by you.
Security of Personal Information Important to A.P. Hodgson & Associates
The firm has taken steps to protect the information we hold from misuse, loss, modification or disclosure. We have a policy of strict security and confidentiality in respect to any of the clients.
How does A.P. Hodgson & Associates use and disclose such information?
The firm may only disclose personal information in accordance with this privacy policy and can be used specifically for:
(a) verifying your identity to complete background checks
(b) run, administer and market competitions, programs, projects and other activities and other
events relating to the variety of community services undertaken by the firm
(c) respond to emergency situations involving or requiring medical treatment
(d) administer, manage and provide you with access to our database
(e) keep you informed of dues and information relating to various events, activities, projects or otherwise.
The firm may only use health information to ensure that projects we operate are run safely and in accordance with any health needs in respect to the members and/or participants. Health information may also be kept for insurance purposes.
Disclosure
The firm may disclose your personal information to a range of organisations which include but are not limited to:
(a) other firms
(b) companies which we might engage to carry out projects, functions and activities on behalf of the firm including direct marketing
(c) our professional advisors including accountants, auditors and lawyers
(f) our insurers
In such circumstances, the firm will use its best endeavours to ensure parties are subject to a law or agreement which effectively holds the principles of handling information pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act.
Direct Marketing
The firm will assume consent to use non-sensitive personal information to provide to you better services and marketing, including disclosure of such information to service providers.
Every person who has data collected by the firm has the option to refuse email, sms, posted or telephone enquiries.
You may do this by communicating your refusal either by the website or directly to the firm. If you are still not satisfied of the communication you are receiving you can also write to the Principal of the firm via the details on the website.
Specific Disclosure
In addition, the firm may also disclosure personal information
(a) with your express consent
(b) when required or authorised by law
(c) to an enforcement body when reasonably necessary
(d) to lessen or prevent a threat to an individual or public health or safety
Our Website
Our website is located as indicated and provides full disclosure of our privacy policy and the site may record information about the use of the site, including web pages visited and the time and date of that visit. In addition, we may use cookies on the website to categorise and analyse the preference of users to improve the experience of using the website which may include personal information.
Access in seeking correction of information held by A.P. Hodgson & Associates
The firm will take all reasonable steps to make sure that the personal information it collects, uses or discloses is accurate, compete and up to date. However, the firm relies on the accuracy of personal information provided to us both directly and indirectly.
We encourage all users to regularly review and update their personal information.
Individuals may also request access to their personal information held by the firm by making a request via the contact details set out in our website. We will respond to your request for access within 14 days and endeavour to provide the requested information within 30 days. If you find that the personal information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date please contact us immediately and we will see that it is corrected.
Any issues or complaints in relation to the collection, use, disclosure, quality, security and access to your personal information can be made to the Principal of the firm at this address. We will respond to your complaint within 30 days and try to resolve it within 90 days. If we are unable to resolve your complaint within the time or you are unhappy with the outcome, you can contact the office of the Australian Information Commissioner via their enquiry line.
It is noted that the firm may amend this privacy policy statement at any time.