Privacy Policy

At Heron Design, we take your privacy seriously.
This policy explains how we collect, use, store and share your personal information.

By visiting our website, working with us, applying for a job or sending us your details, you are agreeing to the way we handle your information as described in this policy and under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

What we mean by “personal information”

“Personal information” is any information that can identify you.

This can include:

  • your name and contact details

  • your address

  • your CV, work history and qualifications

  • opinions about your work performance (whether true or not)

  • your work style profile (if done)

  • photos or video of you

Sometimes we may also need to collect more sensitive information, such as medical information or details about legal or disciplinary matters. We only collect this when it is relevant and allowed by law.

How we collect your information

We usually collect personal information directly from you, for example when you:

  • contact us through our website or email

  • apply for a role or send us your CV

  • speak with us in person, on the phone or via video call

  • take part in research, interviews or other activities with us

We may also collect information about you from other sources when it is needed for your application or engagement, such as:

  • your referees, former employers or colleagues

  • professional bodies or registration authorities

  • results from skills, competency or medical checks (if required)

  • feedback about your work while on placement

  • information about any workplace incidents, investigations or legal matters related to your work

When you visit our website, we may also automatically collect technical information such as:

  • your IP address

  • the type of device, browser and operating system you use

  • how you move through and use our website

This helps us understand how our site is being used and how we can improve it.

If you would like to access our services anonymously, please let us know in writing. Where it is possible and lawful, we will do our best to support this. However, if you choose not to share certain information, we may not be able to provide you with the services, opportunities or support you are looking for.

Who collects and stores your information

Your personal information is collected and managed by Heron Design.

We store information:

  • electronically in secure systems and databases, and/or

  • in paper files held securely in our office

Access to your information is limited to people in our team who need it to do their work.

How we use your information

We use your personal information for the purpose it was given to us, for related purposes that you would reasonably expect, or where the law allows or requires it.

This can include:

  • providing services to you and/or our clients

  • helping match you with suitable roles or projects

  • assessing your suitability for a role or engagement

  • verifying your qualifications, experience and other details

  • providing you with information about opportunities or services you’ve asked for

  • sharing updates about Heron Design and our work (if you have agreed to receive them)

  • processing payroll and related administration, where we are engaged to do so

  • asking for your feedback so we can improve our services

  • any other purpose we explain at the time we collect your information

We do not sell your personal information.

When we share your information

We may share your personal information with third parties where it is needed to deliver our services, or where we are required to by law. These third parties may include:

  • clients and prospective employers

  • related entities, affiliates or agents who support our work

  • your referees, current or former employers

  • education or training providers to verify qualifications

  • background checking or assessment providers

  • our professional advisers (for example, lawyers, accountants and auditors)

  • external service providers such as IT, HR or assessment tools

  • government agencies, courts or regulators where required by law (for example, by subpoena or court order)

We will only disclose sensitive information (such as health information) for the reason it was collected, for a directly related purpose, or where you have given clear consent, unless the law allows otherwise.

If you choose not to provide certain information, we may be limited in our ability to help you with work opportunities or other services.

Keeping your information accurate

We aim to keep your personal information accurate, complete and up to date.

Please let us know if your details change or if you believe any information we hold about you is wrong or incomplete. We will take reasonable steps to correct it.

Accessing your information

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you.

If you’d like to do this, please send us a written request at: info@herondesign.com.au

We will respond within a reasonable time. In some cases, we may need to refuse access where the law allows or requires it (for example, if providing access would impact someone else’s privacy). If we refuse access, we will explain why.

Complaints about privacy

If you are worried about how we’ve handled your personal information, or believe we’ve breached this Privacy Policy or the privacy principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), you can contact us in writing at: info@herondesign.com.au

Please include enough detail for us to understand your concern and any supporting information. We will:

  1. Acknowledge your complaint

  2. Investigate the issue

  3. Let you know the outcome and any steps we’ll take

If you’re not happy with our response, you can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to make a complaint.

How we protect your information

We take reasonable steps to keep your personal information safe from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

This includes:

  • securing our systems and devices

  • limiting access to authorised team members only

  • using passwords and other safeguards to protect electronic data

No system is completely risk-free, but we work to reduce risks and respond quickly if an issue occurs.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or how we handle your personal information, you can contact us at:

Email: info@herondesign.com.au

We’re happy to explain anything in this policy in more detail if you need it.