Pride by Side is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, volunteers, and supporters. This Privacy and Data Collection Policy outlines our practices for handling personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and other applicable laws.
This Policy exists in conjunction with other Pride by Side Policies including our Heightened Safety Measures Policy.
1. COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may collect personal information such as name, address, email address, phone number, and other relevant information from individuals who make donations, sign up for newsletters, participate in events, take part in surveys or research activities, or otherwise engage with us.
From time to time, Pride by Side may also collect information about organisations, initiatives, projects, or programs that engage with our work. This information may be provided by individuals representing those organisations or initiatives.
Participation in surveys, studies, or sector research conducted by Pride by Side is voluntary. Where surveys or research activities collect personal information, participants will be informed of how that information will be used.
2. USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may use personal information for the following purposes:
· To communicate with donors, volunteers, participants, and other supporters about our activities, events, programs, and opportunities
· To process donations and issue tax receipts
· To administer programs, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives
· To conduct surveys, research, and sector analysis relevant to Pride by Side’s work
· To improve our services, programs, and resources
· To comply with legal and regulatory requirementsWhere Pride by Side conducts surveys, research projects, or sector studies, information provided may be analysed to generate insights, reports, or resources intended to support LGBTQIA+ initiatives and strengthen the broader sector.
Unless otherwise stated or where explicit consent is provided, survey responses and research findings will generally be presented in aggregated or de-identified form.
We may also use personal information for other purposes that are reasonably related to the above activities.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties.We may disclose personal information to service providers that perform services on our behalf, such as processing donations, managing events, sending email newsletters, hosting digital platforms, or supporting survey and research activities.
Where we engage service providers, we take reasonable steps to ensure they are bound by confidentiality obligations and that personal information is only used for the purposes for which we engaged them.In some cases, survey or research activities may involve collaboration with research partners, analysts, or sector organisations.
In these cases, data shared will generally be aggregated or de-identified unless participants have explicitly consented otherwise.
We may also disclose personal information where required or authorised by law. Please see our Heightened Safety Measures Policy for further information.
4. SECURITY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorised access, use, loss, or disclosure.
Security measures may include the use of encryption, password protection, access controls, and secure digital platforms for storing and managing data.
Access to personal information is limited to individuals who require it in order to perform their duties or deliver Pride by Side programs, services, or research activities.
In the event of a data breach, we will promptly notify both affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme. For information on notifications of data breaches, see the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website.
Where we collect sensitive information such as gender identity or sexuality, we will only do so with the individual’s consent and where it is reasonably necessary for our programs or research.
5. RETENTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law.
Where Pride by Side conducts research or sector studies, certain information may be retained for longer periods to support longitudinal analysis, sector insights, or future research projects. Where possible, identifying information will be removed or separated from research datasets.
When personal information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it.
6. ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION
Individuals have the right to access the personal information held about them and to request that it be corrected if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
To request access or correction, please contact us using the information provided below.
7. CROSS-BORDER DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may disclose personal information to service providers or third-party platforms located outside Australia, including providers that host digital services, communications tools, or survey platforms.
These countries may not have privacy laws equivalent to those in Australia. Where this occurs, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that such disclosures comply with the Australian Privacy Principles.
8. COMPLAINTS
If you have a complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us using the details below. We will investigate your complaint and respond in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
9. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
We may amend this Privacy and Data Collection Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.
10. CONTACT US
If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy and Data Collection Policy, please contact us at hello@pridebyside.org.
By engaging with us, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy and Data Collection Policy.
