Research information privacy policy

Effective July 2025

The Social Deck recognises the importance of protecting individuals' privacy. This policy explains how we manage your personal information, including what we collect, how we use it, who we may share it with, and how you can access or correct it. It also outlines how to make a privacy-related complaint.

Our privacy framework

The Social Deck (ABN: 94 366 395 064) complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). 📎 Privacy fact sheet 17 – Australian Privacy Principles

We also adhere to the Privacy (Market and Social Research) Code 2021, and as a member of the Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA), we follow ADIA’s code of ethics and privacy guidelines. 📎 ADIA privacy guidelines

Additional privacy obligations

In addition to our compliance with Commonwealth privacy law, The Social Deck recognises that specific state or territory privacy laws may apply when we conduct research on behalf of clients in those jurisdictions.

Where relevant, we comply with privacy obligations under laws such as:

  • Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW)
  • Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (VIC)
  • Information Privacy Act 2009 (QLD)
  • Information Privacy Act 2014 (ACT)

We work with our clients—typically government or not-for-profit organisations—to ensure that the collection, use and storage of personal information complies with the applicable jurisdiction’s laws and respects participants’ rights. Where necessary, additional project-specific privacy notices may be provided to participants.

Who we conduct research for

The Social Deck typically conducts research on behalf of:

  • The Australian Government
  • State and territory governments
  • Local governments
  • Not-for-profit organisations

This research helps inform public policy, programs, services, communications, and community engagement strategies.

What personal information we collect

We collect personal information only for research purposes. This may include:

  • Contact details (e.g. name, email address, phone number)
  • Demographic information (e.g. age, gender, postcode, income, education)
  • Research responses (e.g. survey answers, workshop contributions)
  • Sensitive information (e.g. cultural identity, health status, political or religious views), with your explicit consent

You may remain anonymous or use a pseudonym unless we need your identity (e.g. to provide an incentive or ensure sample representation).

How we collect personal information

We collect data in a variety of research formats, such as:

  • Online surveys
  • Focus groups
  • Community workshops
  • In-depth interviews (online, phone, or in-person)
  • Co-design sessions
  • Public consultations

In some cases, our clients (e.g. government agencies or non-profits) provide us with a list of potential participants to invite. If this occurs, your information is used solely to invite you to participate. Any research findings shared with the client are deidentified unless you have given explicit consent.

Platforms and tools we use

To conduct research, we may use the following tools:

  • Humanitix – for event registrations
  • Zoom – for online interviews and workshops
  • Microsoft Teams – for consultations or virtual meetings
  • Qualtrics – for digital surveys and data collection
  • Other similar platforms as required

We take measures to ensure data privacy when using these platforms by:

  • Preferring Australian data hosting where available
  • Collecting only necessary personal information
  • Configuring platforms to maximise privacy
  • Ensuring compliance with Australian privacy standards or equivalent protections

Each platform also has its own privacy policy that applies when you use their services.

How we store and protect your information

We store data securely and use:

  • Encrypted file systems for data at rest
  • Secure, access-controlled cloud storage
  • Privacy-aware processes that limit access to authorised staff only
  • Staff and contractor confidentiality agreements
  • Clear retention and secure data destruction protocols

How we use and disclose your information

We use your personal information only for the purpose of conducting research. We do not use or disclose it for advertising, marketing, or non-research purposes.

We generally provide findings to our clients in aggregate or deidentified form. We will only share personally identifiable data:

  • With your explicit, informed consent
  • Where required by law or legal order
  • In very limited cases where identification is necessary and disclosed in advance (e.g. prize draws or follow-up interviews)

Use of overseas platforms or providers

Occasionally, we may use service providers that process or store data overseas. In these cases, we ensure:

  • Appropriate contractual obligations and safeguards are in place, and/or
  • The provider is subject to similar or equivalent privacy laws as those in Australia

Your rights and access

You have the right to:

  • Request access to personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information
  • Withdraw consent to participate or be contacted again
  • Make a complaint about a potential breach of your privacy

Requests can be made to our privacy officer. A small fee may apply for access, but we will always inform you before proceeding.

Questions or complaints

If you have any questions, or wish to make a complaint about how we’ve handled your information, please contact:

Privacy officer – The Social Deck 32 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads QLD 4567 team@thesocialdeck.com 0421 243 418

If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

1300 363 992 www.oaic.gov.au GPO Box 2999, Canberra ACT 2601 enquiries@oaic.gov.au