Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how SSGM Pty Ltd (ABN: [Insert], trading as “SSGM Group”, “SSGM”, “we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you interact with our website, platforms, services, or communications.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you interact with SSGM services, you may provide:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Professional Information: Educational background, work experience, career goals, professional certifications
• Service Preferences: Program enquiries, service selections, specific needs and objectives
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), profile preferences
• Payment Information: Billing details, transaction history (processed securely via third-party payment providers)
• Communication Content: Messages, enquiries, feedback, support requests
• Training & Advisory Data: Assessment results, session notes, progress tracking, materials submitted

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website or use our platforms, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked, referring URLs, search queries
• Location Data: General geographic location (country, city) based on IP address
• Cookies & Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics information (see Section 8)

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Partner Organizations: Migration agents, recruitment agencies, educational institutions (with your consent)
• Service Providers: Payment processors, email platforms, analytics tools
• Public Sources: LinkedIn, professional directories (only for B2B purposes)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• Respond to enquiries and provide requested information
• Deliver Academy training programs, Advisory sessions, Digital products, Contracting services, or Ventures consulting
• Process payments and manage billing
• Provide customer support and respond to requests
• Track progress and deliver personalized guidance

2.2 Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns and service effectiveness
• Develop new programs, products, and features
• Conduct research and quality assurance
• Gather feedback and testimonials (with permission)

2.3 Communication

• Send service updates, program information, and relevant resources
• Provide educational content, tips, and professional development materials
• Share promotional offers, new services, and special opportunities
• Send administrative notifications (payment confirmations, schedule changes)

Note: You may opt out of marketing communications at any time via unsubscribe links or by contacting us.

2.4 Legal & Compliance

• Comply with Australian laws and regulations
• Protect our legal rights and prevent fraud
• Respond to legal requests and regulatory requirements
• Enforce our terms of service and agreements

3. Information Sharing & Disclosure

3.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our business:

Safeguards: All service providers are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

3.2 Platform Delivery Partners

When delivering services, we may share relevant information with:

• Trainers & Coaches: Academy instructors need access to student information for effective teaching
• Advisors & Consultants: Advisory and Ventures team members require client context for personalized guidance
• Contracting Partners: Organizations receiving our workforce solutions may receive professional profiles

Control: You will be informed when information needs to be shared for service delivery.

3.3 Strategic Partners (With Consent)

With your explicit consent, we may share information with:

• Migration agents for visa application support
• Recruitment agencies for job placement opportunities
• Educational institutions for further study pathways
• Business partners for co-delivered programs

3.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Protect rights, property, or safety of SSGM, clients, or public
• Investigate fraud, security issues, or legal violations
• Respond to government or regulatory authorities

3.5 Business Transfers

If SSGM undergoes a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred to the new entity. You will be notified of any such change.

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission, encrypted storage for sensitive data
• Access Controls: Role-based access, multi-factor authentication for staff, regular access reviews
• Secure Systems: Firewalls, intrusion detection, regular security updates and patches
• Physical Security: Secure facilities, restricted access to systems and data
• Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for all team members
• Vendor Management: Due diligence and security requirements for all service providers

4.2 Security Limitations

While we take reasonable precautions, no internet-based system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to:

• Promptly addressing any identified vulnerabilities
• Notifying affected individuals of any data breaches as required by law
• Continuously improving our security practices

4.3 Your Responsibility

You play a role in protecting your information:

• Keep passwords secure and confidential
• Log out of accounts when using shared devices
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Use strong, unique passwords for your SSGM account

5. Data Retention

5.1 Retention Periods

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Active Clients: Duration of service relationship plus 7 years (for legal/compliance requirements)
• Enquiries: 2 years from last contact (unless you request earlier deletion)
• Marketing Lists: Until you unsubscribe or request removal
• Financial Records: 7 years as required by Australian tax law
• Website Analytics: 26 months (standard Google Analytics retention)

5.2 Deletion Process

When information is no longer needed, we:

• Securely delete or anonymize personal data
• Remove information from active systems
• Retain only what's legally required

6. Your Privacy Rights

Under Australian Privacy Principles, you have the following rights:

6.1 Access

Right: Request access to personal information we hold about you
How: Email info@ssgmgroup.com with subject “Privacy Access Request”
Timeframe: We'll respond within 30 days

6.2 Correction

Right: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
How: Contact us with corrected details
Action: We'll update information promptly and notify relevant third parties if necessary

6.3 Deletion

Right: Request deletion of your personal information
How: Email info@ssgmgroup.com with subject “Privacy Deletion Request”
Limitations: We may retain information if legally required or necessary for legitimate business purposes

6.4 Opt-Out

Right: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
How: Click “unsubscribe” in emails or email info@ssgmgroup.com
Note: You'll still receive essential service-related communications

6.5 Complaints

Right: Lodge a complaint about privacy practices
How: Contact our Privacy Officer at info@ssgmgroup.com
External: You may also complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

7. International Data Transfers

SSGM is based in Australia. Some of our service providers may be located overseas (e.g., USA, Europe). When we transfer your information internationally:

• We ensure adequate data protection standards
• We use contractual safeguards (Standard Contractual Clauses)
• We select providers with strong privacy practices
• We remain accountable for your data's protection

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

8.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites function and analyze usage.

8.2 Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (login, session management)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
• Marketing Cookies: Track ad performance and personalize marketing (with consent)

8.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies
• Cookie Banner: Manage preferences via our website's cookie consent tool
• Opt-Out Tools: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

SSGM services are designed for adults (18+ years). We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18 without parental consent.

If you believe we've inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately at info@ssgmgroup.com.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. This Privacy Policy applies only to SSGM.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our practices
• New legal or regulatory requirements
• Improvements to our services
• Feedback from clients and stakeholders

Notification: Material changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notice on our website
• Updated “Last Updated” date at top of policy

Your Continued Use: Using SSGM services after policy updates constitutes acceptance of changes.

12. Contact Us