Bedford Business College respects the privacy of students, lecturers and clients and understands the importance placed on the protection of personal information in our care.

Personal information is collected and retained on past and current students, staff and clients for the primary purpose of operating the College as a private tertiary organisation.

All information collected is directly applicable to the functions and activities of the College, the successful progression of its student and their well-being and protection.

Information is entered and stored in a central database located in the Administration Office and may also be stored in locked files in either the Administration Office or the Archive Room.

Our Policy

We collect only what is necessary and we collect it fairly and lawfully. Our Application/Enrolment Form/s requests information that identifies you, such as your full name, date of birth, address, telephone numbers and email address, emergency contact details and educational history. We also keep the name of your parent/guardian and their contact details. We keep details of your fee payments including bank account details, payment plans, and loan or credit card information.

We also keep information related to your health including medication and/or special needs or requirements. We do not actively seek to collect sensitive information such as your political, racial or ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

In the case of students, during the term of your course, we collect information relating to your attendance, academic performance, results, and counselling and disciplinary matters.

All information is stored electronically and in hard copy in a secure area and accessed only by authorised staff member/s who require such information for the purpose of their work.

Use and disclosure

By signing the Enrolment Application Form you consent to us using your personal information in the following way:

• To maintain a register of our students, staff and clients
• To effectively administer all activities and services that we provide
• To communicate with you; and in the case of students under the age of 18 years:
• To communicate with your parent and/or guardian.

Data Access and Correction

• You may request access to your personal information at any time for the purpose of updating or correcting the data
• You should notify us promptly in writing if there are any changed to your personal information

Access to your data

• We may make available email contact details to a specific lecturer for contact purposes
• We may make available to some lecturers whose role it is to train and assess the performance of students, the provision of some personal details about students in order to assist with their training and/or assessment
• Personally identifiable data is not provided to third parties without the written consent of the client.
• You have a right to access your personal information, subject to some exceptions allowed by law. If you wish to access your information, please see the Secretary/Registrar. Students may be required to make such requests in writing. Bedford Business College reserves the right to charge a fee for search for and providing access to your information.
• On occasions, and as required by law, Bedford Business College may disclose the personal information of students, staff and clients to organisations outside Bedford, providing such organisations are aware of the Privacy Principal and agree to comply.

The organisations to which we disclose information include:

• Your authorised representatives (e.g. your bank, agent, immediate family or legal counsel
• Credit providers such as banks for credit related purposes
• Our professional advisers including accounting auditors and lawyers
• Government and regulatory authorities such as DIMIA (Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs); DEST (Department of Education, Science and Training, VETAB (Vocational Accreditation and Training Accreditation Board), ATO (Australian Taxation Office).
• Bedford Business College may disclose Personal Information to comply with subpoenas, court orders and other legal processes.

Complaints resolution

The College recognises that a level of conflict is inevitable in any work environment and has a formal Grievance and Appeal Policy in place. We support the notion of open communication in a non-threatening atmosphere.

The following policies apply:

• Each appeal is heard by an independent person or panel;
• each appellant has an opportunity to formally present his or her case; and
• is given a written statement of the appeal outcomes, including responses for the decision.