Helping Buddy Pty Ltd (“Helping Buddy”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled securely, responsibly, and in accordance with Australian laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the NDIS Act 2013. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you engage with our services, website, or team.
1. Introduction
Helping Buddy values the privacy of all individuals we engage with—including NDIS participants, support workers, healthcare professionals, contractors, employees, and website visitors. This policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, management, and protection of personal data.
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Visitors to our website: https://helpingbuddy.com.au
- Individuals using our services or making service enquiries
- Job applicants and support workers applying for positions
- Any person whose information is collected by us or on our behalf in line with legislative or NDIS requirements
2. What Personal Information We Collect
Depending on your interaction with Helping Buddy, we may collect:
- Identification: Name, date of birth, gender, address, contact details
- Health & Disability Information: Medical history, conditions, care plans, NDIS number, service records
- Employment Information: Job history, resumes, referee details, criminal history checks (where required)
- Financial Information: Payment records, NDIS funding details
- Website Data: IP address, cookies, browser type, usage analytics
- Communication Records: Feedback, complaints, support calls, and emails
We may also collect sensitive information where necessary, with your explicit consent or as required by law.
3. How We Collect Your Information
We collect your information:
- Directly from you (e.g. service forms, conversations, job applications)
- Via our website and online enquiry forms
- From third parties (NDIS, health professionals, employment references)
- Through background checks, when legally permitted
Cookies may be used to improve website performance. These do not store personally identifiable data and can be disabled via your browser settings.
4. Why We Collect and Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide, plan, and manage NDIS-related support services
- Respond to your enquiries or requests
- Coordinate care with third parties and healthcare providers
- Verify identity and ensure safe service delivery
- Process job applications and conduct reference checks
- Meet regulatory, reporting, and legal obligations
We will only use your data for the purpose it was collected, unless required by law or with your consent.
5. How We Protect Your Information
Helping Buddy employs strict safeguards to secure your personal data, including:
- Secure cloud and on-site data storage
- Access controls and restricted staff access
- Encrypted files and password protection
- Regular reviews of data protection processes
We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfil its purpose or meet legal requirements.
6. Disclosing Your Personal Information
We may share your data with:
- NDIS bodies and service providers for coordinated care
- Government and regulatory agencies as required by law
- Authorised family members or guardians (with consent)
- Third-party service providers (e.g., IT, compliance, payroll), bound by strict confidentiality
We will never sell your personal information to third parties.
7. Your Rights and Access to Information
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data held by Helping Buddy
- Request corrections to your information
- Withdraw consent (where applicable)
- Make a privacy complaint if you believe your rights have been violated
Requests should be submitted in writing using the contact information below.
8. Privacy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have concerns or questions regarding how we handle your personal information, please contact us directly. We take all privacy matters seriously and aim to respond within 30 business days.
Helping Buddy Pty Ltd
Email: helpingbuddy.au@gmail.com
Phone: +61 434121782
Website: https://helpingbuddy.com.au
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
This policy may be updated occasionally to reflect changes in legal obligations or operational needs. The updated version will be available on our website. We encourage you to review it regularly.