1. Introduction
Hillshire International College is committed to protecting the privacy of its students, staff, and stakeholders. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and CRICOS provider, we adhere to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and any relevant state or federal privacy laws to ensure the secure and responsible handling of personal information.
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and disclose personal information in accordance with our legal obligations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– Prospective, current, and former students.
– Staff, contractors, and volunteers.
– Third parties engaged in providing services on behalf of Hillshire International College.
– Any individual interacting with the College in connection with its operations.
3. What is Personal Information?
Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), personal information includes any information or opinion about an identified individual or an individual who can be reasonably identified, whether true or not, and whether recorded in material form or not.
Examples of personal information we may collect include, but are not limited to:
– Name, date of birth, and contact details.
– Identification documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
– Academic records, enrollment details, and training outcomes.
– Financial information, including payment details.
– Health information (for accessibility or emergency purposes).
4. Collection of Personal Information
Hillshire International College collects personal information for the purpose of providing education and training services. We may collect information through:
– Enrollment forms.
– Online applications or portals.
– Emails, phone calls, or face-to-face interactions.
– Feedback or surveys.
– Government reporting and compliance requirements.
5. How We Use Personal Information
We use personal information for the following purposes:
– Enrollment processing and administration.
– Delivering education and training services.
– Meeting compliance obligations under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, the ESOS Act 2000, and other regulatory frameworks.
– Reporting to government agencies (e.g., Australian Skills Quality Authority, Department of Education, and other regulatory bodies).
– Communicating updates, events, and announcements to students and staff.
– Ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of individuals on campus.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
Hillshire International College will not disclose personal information without consent, except where required or authorized by law. Situations where information may be shared include:
– Reporting training outcomes to government bodies such as ASQA, NCVER, or Department of Home Affairs.
– Verification of enrollments and qualifications.
– Compliance with legal requests (e.g., subpoenas or law enforcement).
– Engaging third-party service providers (e.g., IT support, payment processors) who are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality.
7. Data Security and Retention
We take reasonable steps to secure personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. Measures include:
– Secure physical storage of documents.
– Encryption and password protection for digital records.
– Access controls limiting information to authorised personnel only.
Personal information is retained for as long as required by law or for the purposes outlined in this policy. When no longer needed, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.
8. Accessing and Updating Personal Information
Students and staff have the right to access or correct their personal information. Requests can be made by contacting the Privacy Officer (details below). We will respond to such requests within a reasonable time-frame and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
9. Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached or mishandled, you can make a formal complaint by contacting our Privacy Officer. We will investigate the matter and respond promptly, typically within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
10. Cookies and Online Privacy
Hillshire International College’s website may use cookies and analytics to improve user experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device to retain user preferences and provide anonymized tracking data. You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.
11. Privacy Officer Contact Details
For inquiries or concerns regarding this policy, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Hillshire International College
Suite 1, Level 2, 16-18 Wentworth Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: 02 7801 3845
Email: info@hillshire.edu.au
12. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated to reflect changes in laws, regulations, or practices. The latest version will always be available on our website.
13. Additional Information
For more information about privacy laws and your rights, please visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at [www.oaic.gov.au](https://www.oaic.gov.au).
This policy reflects Hillshire International College’s commitment to protecting privacy and maintaining compliance with Australian and international privacy standards.