The Special Forces Engineer Foundation Ltd is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the people who interact with us, including donors, supporters, members, volunteers, beneficiaries, families, contractors and visitors to our website.
 

We understand that some information provided to the Foundation may be personal, sensitive or confidential. We take this responsibility seriously and handle personal information with care, respect and appropriate security.
 

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and how individuals can access, correct or raise concerns about the information we hold.

 

Personal information we collect

The type of personal information we collect will depend on how a person interacts with the Foundation. This may include names, contact details, donation records, membership details, volunteer information, correspondence, event registrations and information submitted through our website or forms.
 

Where a person seeks assistance from the Foundation, we may also collect additional information that is reasonably necessary to assess and respond to their request. This may include information about service history, family circumstances, financial hardship, welfare needs or other sensitive matters.
 

We only collect sensitive information where it is necessary for our charitable work and where the person has consented, or where collection is otherwise permitted by law.

 

How we collect information

We usually collect personal information directly from the individual concerned. This may occur when someone makes a donation, contacts us, completes a form, applies for assistance, subscribes to updates, registers for an event, becomes a member or volunteers with the Foundation.
 

In some cases, information may be provided by an authorised representative, another welfare organisation, a professional adviser, a family member, or another person involved in supporting the individual. Where practical, we will ensure the individual is aware that this information has been provided.

 

Why we collect and use information

We collect and use personal information to carry out the Foundation’s charitable purposes and day-to-day operations.
 

This may include assessing requests for assistance, providing welfare support, processing donations, issuing receipts, managing memberships, coordinating volunteers, communicating with supporters, conducting fundraising activities, meeting legal and financial obligations, and maintaining proper records for governance, reporting and accountability.
 

We do not sell, rent or trade personal information.

 

Disclosure of information

Personal information may be shared where necessary with trusted third parties who assist the Foundation to operate effectively. This may include payment processors, accountants, auditors, legal advisers, IT providers, government agencies, welfare professionals or partner organisations assisting with support.
 

Where sensitive information is involved, we will take additional care and will only disclose information where necessary, authorised, consented to, or required by law.

 

Donations and payment information

Online donations may be processed through secure third-party payment providers. The Foundation does not store complete credit card details on its own systems.

Donation records may be retained for receipting, accounting, audit, taxation and reporting purposes.

Website use and cookies

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and to improve its performance. This information is generally statistical in nature and does not personally identify users.

Visitors may adjust their browser settings to disable cookies, although some website functions may not work as intended.

 

Email communications

The Foundation may send updates, newsletters, event information or fundraising communications to people who have provided their contact details.

Recipients may unsubscribe from marketing or fundraising emails at any time.

 

Security of information

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

These steps may include restricted access to records, password-protected systems, secure digital storage, confidentiality procedures and appropriate destruction or de-identification of information that is no longer required.

 

Overseas storage

Some service providers used by the Foundation may store data using secure cloud-based systems, which may involve storage outside Australia.
 

Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is handled securely and consistently with appropriate privacy protections.

 

Accessing or correcting information

A person may request access to personal information the Foundation holds about them.

If information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, the person may request that it be corrected.

Requests can be made using the contact details below.

 

Retention of records

The Foundation keeps personal information only for as long as it is required for its charitable activities, legal obligations, financial reporting, governance, taxation, audit or record-keeping requirements.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely destroyed or de-identified where appropriate.

Privacy concerns or complaints
 

Anyone who has concerns about how their personal information has been handled may contact the Foundation.
 

We will consider the concern, make reasonable enquiries, and respond in a timely and respectful manner.
 

If the matter cannot be resolved directly, the person may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

 

Changes to this policy

This Privacy Policy may be reviewed and updated from time to time. The current version will be made available on the Foundation’s website.

 

Contact

Special Forces Engineer Foundation Ltd
Email: admin@sfefoundation.org.au