WorkAccord Privacy Policy

Last updated: [May 2025]

1. Introduction

A.C. Wood Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as WorkAccord (ABN 33 074 381 409) is a small, independent Australian business offering mediation, governance, dispute resolution, and learning design services. While WorkAccord is generally exempt from the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), we are committed to managing personal information in an open, respectful, and responsible manner.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we handle personal information and reflects our commitment to ethical practice and informed engagement.

2. The Kinds of Personal Information We Collect and Hold

The types of personal information we may collect and hold include:

  • Name and contact details (email, phone, address)

  • Organisational affiliations and professional roles

  • Information provided through our intake, referral or inquiry processes

  • Documents or notes relevant to dispute resolution, learning, or facilitation activities

  • Feedback, attendance or participation data (e.g. in learning events or programs)

We may also collect sensitive information, where relevant and with consent, such as:

  • Health-related or accessibility information

  • Cultural or linguistic background

  • Religious affiliation (where relevant to the matter)

  • Criminal history or regulatory status (e.g. for professional conduct matters)

We only collect sensitive information where it is reasonably necessary and where an exception applies—such as your consent or a Permitted General Situation (e.g. confidential ADR processes under the Privacy Act).

3. How We Collect and Hold Personal Information

We usually collect information:

  • Directly from you (through forms, email, video or phone)

  • From a referring party (e.g. legal representatives, advocates)

  • Via secure digital platforms such as WorkAccord Learning or web-based intake tools

We store personal information securely using a mix of cloud-based and local systems, including:

  • Secure platforms (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, MYOB, Heartbeat, Google Workspace)

  • Password-protected folders and encrypted email communications

  • Minimal hard-copy documents stored in secure physical locations

We take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, loss, or interference.

4. Why We Collect, Use and Disclose Personal Information

We collect, hold, and use personal information to:

  • Assess the suitability of a mediation, facilitation, or learning service

  • Deliver services aligned with your needs and objectives

  • Communicate with participants and maintain accurate records

  • Fulfil administrative and legal obligations

  • Evaluate and improve our service offerings

We may disclose information with consent or where required or authorised by law, including:

  • To parties involved in a mediation or facilitated process

  • To third-party providers who support our administrative operations

  • Under a permitted general situation, such as to maintain confidentiality in ADR

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

5. Access and Correction

You have a right to request access to or correction of the personal information we hold about you.

To make a request, please contact:

Email: privacy@workaccord.com.au
Mail: 17A Hillside Crescent BEAUDESERT QLD 4285
Phone: 0408 880 877

We aim to respond within 30 days and may ask for identity verification before proceeding. Access may be refused in limited circumstances permitted by law (e.g. to protect others’ confidentiality).

6. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy or the principles of ethical information management, you can contact us at:

Email: privacy@workaccord.com.au

Please describe your concern in writing. We aim to respond within 30 days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

7. Overseas Disclosure

We do not routinely disclose personal information to overseas recipients. However, some of our digital tools may store or process information on servers located outside Australia (e.g. via Squarespace, MYOB, Microsoft 365, or Heartbeat Chat).

We take reasonable steps to ensure these services meet Australian privacy expectations, and we avoid using overseas processors unless they can demonstrate appropriate data safeguards.

8. Anonymity and Pseudonymity

You may choose to interact with us anonymously or under a pseudonym—such as when making a general enquiry. However, for most services (e.g. mediation or course participation), we may need to identify you to proceed meaningfully and ethically.

9. Use of Digital Platforms, AI Tools, and Automated Decision Making

Website and Cookies

Our website, hosted on Squarespace, uses cookies to support basic functionality and understand aggregate site traffic (e.g. number of visits, page views). We do not use cookies for advertising, targeting, or profiling.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings without affecting core site functionality.

Administration Platforms

We use several cloud-based platforms to run our services securely and efficiently:

  • MYOB: For accounting, invoicing, and client management

  • Microsoft Outlook: For email and calendar scheduling

  • Google Workspace: For document collaboration and secure file storage

  • Heartbeat Chat: For our online learning community

  • Calendly or similar tools: For appointment scheduling

These platforms may hold contact details or service-related information but are used solely for operational and ethical purposes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We occasionally use AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI) to assist with:

  • Drafting reflection pieces, training material, or program design templates

  • Exploring theoretical approaches to mediation or governance

  • Brainstorming ideas or augmenting service documentation

We do not disclose any personal, identifying, or case-specific information when using AI. These tools are used only to support professional judgment, not to replace it or make decisions.

Automated Workflows

We use lightweight automations (e.g. email confirmations, calendar reminders, or learning notifications). These help streamline service delivery but do not affect the substance or outcome of your matter.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as needed. The latest version is always available on our website at [insert URL].

You can contact us at any time with questions, suggestions, or concerns:

Email: admin@workaccord.com.au
Mail: 17a Hillside Crescent, BEAUDESERT, QLD, 4285
Phone: +61 437 520 238