Privacy Statement

Relationship to Standards for Registered Training Organisations (2015)

This policy and procedure is designed to put in place systems and procedures to the management of Southern Training Organisation Pty Ltd as required by Standards 3.4, 3.6(d), 6.5(a), 8.5 & 8.6 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (2015).

Standard 3.  The RTO issues, maintains and accepts AQF certification documentation in accordance with these Standards and provides access to learner records. 

3.4.        Records of learner AQF certification documentation are maintained by the RTO in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 5 and are accessible to current and past learners.

3.6.        The RTO meets the requirements of the Student Identifier scheme, including:

d)           ensuring the security of Student Identifiers and all related documentation under its control, including information stored in its student management systems.

Standard 6.  Complaints and appeals are recorded, acknowledged and dealt with fairly, efficiently and effectively.

6.5.        The RTO:

a)           securely maintains records of all complaints and appeals and their outcome

Standard 8. The RTO cooperates with the VET Regulator and is legally compliant at all times.

8.5.        The RTO complies with Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to its operations.

8.6.        The RTO ensures its staff and clients are informed of any changes to legislative and regulatory requirements that affect the services delivered.

PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION PROCEDURES

In the course of its business, Southern Training Organisation may collect information from Learners or potential Learners, either electronically or in hard copy format, including information that personally identifies individual users. We may also record various communications that Learners or potential Learners have with us.

In collecting personal information we will comply with the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, the Privacy Act 1988 and the Student Identifiers Act 2014.

Collection and use of personal information

Southern Training Organisation will only collect personal information by fair and lawful means which is necessary for the functions of the RTO and is committed to ensuring the confidentiality and security of the information provided to us.

The personal information supplied by individuals to Southern Training Organisation will only be used to provide information about study opportunities, program administration, academic information and to maintain proper academic records. If an individual chooses not to give Southern Training Organisation certain information then we may be unable to enrol the individual in a program or supply them with appropriate information.

Disclosure of personal information

Personal information about Learners studying with Southern Training Organisation may be shared with the Australian and State and Territory Governments and designated authorities. This information includes personal and contact details, program enrolment details and changes as well as training outcomes.

Any person or organisation to which personal information is disclosed as described in this procedure will be required to not use or disclose the information for a purpose other than the purpose for which the information was supplied to them.

Southern Training Organisation will not disclose an individual’s personal information to another person or organisation unless:

a)     the individual concerned is reasonably likely to have been aware, or made aware that information of that kind is usually passed to that person or organisation;

b)     the individual concerned has given written consent to the disclosure;

c)     Southern Training Organisation believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of the individual concerned or of another person;

d)     the disclosure is required or authorised by or under law.

Security of personal information

Southern Training Organisation will take all reasonable steps to ensure that any personal information collected is relevant to the purpose for which is was collected, is up to date and complete.

Southern Training Organisation will store securely all records containing personal information and take all reasonable security measures to protect, personal information collected by us from unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure.

Right to access and correct records

Individuals have the right to access or obtain a copy of the personal information that Southern Training Organisation holds about them. Requests to access or obtain a copy of personal information must be made in writing. There is no charge for an individual to access personal information that Southern Training Organisation holds about them; however we may charge a fee to make a copy. Individuals will be advised of how they may access or obtain a copy of their personal information and any applicable fees within 10 days of receiving their written request.

If an individual considers their personal information to be incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading, they can request that the information be amended. Where a record is found to be inaccurate, a correction will be made.  Where an individual requests that a record be amended because it is inaccurate but the record is found to be accurate, the details of the request for amendment will be noted on the record.

Written requests for access to or to obtain a copy of personal information held by Southern Training Organisation should be sent to:

The Manager

Southern Training Organisation Pty Ltd

PO Box 251

Eden

NSW    2551

How to complain about a breach in Privacy

If at any time you feel your personal information has not been handled in an appropriate manner, please follow our complaints and appeals process.