Free Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Template
Download our free Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of a Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
A Privacy and Confidentiality Policy outlines the framework and expectations related to privacy and confidentiality requirements. These policies aim to create a secure environment where sensitive information is safeguarded, effectively managing the risks associated with privacy and confidentiality, thereby prioritizing the well-being of stakeholders while minimizing potential hazards.
How to Use
This Privacy and Confidentiality Policy template should be customised by a competent person, signed by a top-level manager (e.g. the director), and displayed in the workplace or provided by other means (e.g. website). It should also be communicated to new workers as part of their induction or onboarding process.
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
This document should be displayed in a prominent area or uploaded to your website/ centralized document system. You should also use it during employee inductions, and you may wish to refresh your workers on the contents of the policy periodically as part of a safety meeting or refresher training.
Who Should Use
This document should be endorsed with the signature of the appropriate top-level manager (such as a director). It can be used by your Safety Advisor, Project Manager, or other Manager/s to communicate the requirements to workers (including new workers).
Legal Considerations
Generally, under the WHS legislation, there is no specific legal requirement to have or display a Privacy and Confidentiality Policy. However, it is best practice. It can help meet general legal duties, including:
s(19)(3)a WHS Act – Duty to Provide a Safe Working Environment
Workers also have legal responsibilities, including:
- s(28) WHS Act – Duty of workers:
- Taking care of yourself
- Taking care of others
- Following procedure
- Following instruction
FAQ
What is the purpose of a Privacy and Confidentiality Policy?
A privacy policy outlines how an organization collects, uses, stores, and protects individuals’ personal information. It serves to inform users about their rights and how their data will be handled.
What information is typically included in a Privacy and Confidentiality Policy?
A privacy policy usually includes details about the types of personal information collected, how it’s used, who it’s shared with, security measures in place, users’ rights regarding their data, and how they can contact the organization with privacy concerns.
Why is privacy important?
Privacy is important because it ensures that individuals have control over their personal information, including who has access to it and how it’s used. Protecting privacy promotes trust between organizations and their users and helps prevent misuse of personal data.
Did you know?
Some companies have employed innovative methods to make their privacy policies more engaging and understandable. For example, one company turned their privacy policy into a choose-your-own-adventure game, where users could navigate through different scenarios to learn about their data rights and protections. It’s a creative approach that transforms a traditionally dull document into an interactive experience.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a WHSMS (Work Health and Safety Management System)? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-whsms/>
- Work Health and Safety Policy (Safe Work NSW) <https://www.nsw.gov.au/enterprise-investment-trade/policy/work-health-and-safety>