BBBS is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information that we hold. We recognise that some personal information we hold is of a very sensitive nature. This Policy, which may be changed from time to time, sets out our personal information management practices. This Policy refers to collection of 'personal information' which is information, or an opinion, which identifies an individual or from which the individual's identity may reasonably be ascertained. It can be in any medium including electronic or paper records. An individual's name and address are examples of personal information.

Compliance with privacy principles
BBBS observes the National Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Privacy Principles under applicable Health Records legislation. BBBS complies with these and applicable Privacy Laws or codes of practice to protect the privacy of your personal information.

Collection of personal information
BBBS collects personal information from participants and potential participants, including young people and their families, volunteers, supporters and donors.

BBBS only collects personal information necessary for its functions and activities. The personal information we collect depends on the purpose for which an individual has contact with us. For example, individuals wishing to become Big Brothers/Sisters undergo an extensive selection process where we collect personal information about them such as details about their background, lifestyle, health, interests and motivation.

We also collect personal information about young people and their families who have been referred to us or wish to participate in BBBS. In that case we collect such information as the young person's health, interests, the relationship between family members and other information about domestic arrangements.

The purpose for collecting personal information about volunteers and families is to:

• Assess suitability
• Establish matches
• Promote health and safety
• Promote the best interests of the young person
• Protect the longevity of matches

Where we collect sensitive information, such as health, psychological profile, criminal record or sexual preference, we do so with the individual's consent (or in the case of young people, with the consent of their parent/guardian or authorised representative as appropriate) or otherwise in accordance with the law.

If you choose not to disclose personal information that is requested by us, then we may chose not to accept you into our program or to remove you from our program.

Use and disclosure of personal information

BBBS will generally use and disclose personal information in accordance with the purpose for which the information was collected, or where the individual (or in the case of young people, where their parent/guardian or authorised representative as appropriate) has consented to the use or disclosure.

BBBS may use and disclose personal information for purposes including: to send an individual further information about our programs, to assess a candidate's suitability to become a Big Brother /Sister, to match a volunteer with a young person, to monitor the friendship between the volunteer and young person and to process donations.

As part of our selection process, we may disclose personal information about potential Big Brothers/Sisters to law enforcement agencies, referees, psychologists and medical practitioners. We may also provide personal information about individuals to our service providers or others who assist us in providing our services. For example, legal or professional advisers, insurers or mail service providers.

BBBS may otherwise use or disclose individuals' personal information where required or authorised by law, which may include emergency situations and assisting law enforcement agencies or where there is a duty to disclose information, for example, where there is concern for the health and safety of participants.

Security of personal information
BBBS takes reasonable steps to protect all the personal information it holds from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This protection applies to information stored both electronically and in hard copy form.

We will also take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify personal information if it is no longer required for legal or operational reasons.

Accessing and updating your personal information
If you wish to request access to, or correction of, any personal information BBBS holds about you, please contact us. We request that you provide as much detail as possible about the information you seek so it can be correctly retrieved. In certain circumstances, we may not be required by law to allow access to, or correction of, your personal information. If that is the case, we will provide reasons for that decision.

We take reasonable steps to make sure that personal information we collect, use and disclose is accurate, complete and up-to-date.

BBBS may set reasonable charges for providing access to personal information (those charges will not apply to lodging a request for access).

Contact details
If you have any questions or comments about privacy, or wish to make a complaint about the way in which BBBS has handled your personal information, please contact us.