Big Heart Carers

Privacy Policy

At Big Heart Carers ("we," "our," or "us"), your privacy is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding the personal information you share with us and ensuring that it is collected, processed, and stored lawfully, fairly, and transparently in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information, as well as the rights you have regarding your information.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal information, depending on your relationship with us:

  • Identification Information: Full name, ID number, or passport number.
  • Contact Information: Phone number, email address, and physical address.
  • Employment Information: CVs, job history, qualifications, and references (for job applicants).
  • Medical Information: Health status, emergency contact details (for caregivers and clients where relevant).
  • Financial Information: Bank account details, billing information, and payment history (for clients and trainees).
  • Online Activity Information: Cookies, IP addresses, browser type, and website usage analytics.

2. Purpose of Processing Personal Information

We collect and use your personal information only for legitimate purposes, including:

  • Service Delivery: To provide caregiving services, caregiver courses, and first aid training.
  • Communication: To communicate with you about services, updates, and important information.
  • Applications: To process service requests, course registrations, or job applications.
  • Compliance: To meet legal, tax, labor, and regulatory requirements.
  • Marketing (with consent): To send you newsletters, updates, and promotional material if you have opted in.

We will not use your personal information for unrelated purposes without obtaining your consent.

3. Sharing of Personal Information

We will never sell your personal information. Your information may only be shared in the following circumstances:

  • Legal Requirements: Where disclosure is required by law, regulation, or court order.
  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party providers (e.g., payment processors, accreditation bodies) who assist us in delivering our services.
  • With Consent: Where you have expressly agreed to the sharing of your information.

We require all third parties to comply with POPIA and to handle your information securely and responsibly.

4. Protection of Personal Information

We use reasonable, appropriate, and industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Secure Systems: Encrypted servers and databases.
  • Restricted Access: Personal information is accessible only to authorized personnel.
  • Data Retention Policies: Information is kept only as long as necessary to fulfill the stated purposes or as required by law.

5. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request corrections or updates to inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your information when it is no longer required.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your information, particularly for direct marketing.
  • Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for any processing that requires it.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at phillip@bigheartcarers.co.za or +27 73 668 9803. We will respond within a reasonable time in line with POPIA requirements.

6. Cookies and Website Usage

Our website uses cookies and tracking technologies to improve user experience and monitor website traffic. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect your browsing experience.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as it is necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by applicable laws. Once no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize your information.

8. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, best practices, or our services. The updated version will always be posted on our website with the effective date indicated.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

Email: phillip@bigheartcarers.co.za

Phone: +27 73 668 9803