Privacy Policy
At Family Support Trust (FST), we are committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and personal information of every individual we serve, engage with, or communicate with through our platforms. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with our organisational values, ethical standards, and applicable data protection laws of Zimbabwe.
By interacting with our website, participating in our programmes, or providing us with personal information, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
FST collects personal information only when it is necessary to provide our services or to respond to your inquiries. The types of information we may collect include:
- Personal details: Name, email address, phone number, or postal address (for those who contact us directly).
- Health and demographic information: Only where required for service provision, such as medical or counselling support (collected confidentially at our survivor-friendly clinics).
- Digital information: Data automatically collected from website visitors, such as IP addresses, browser type, and device information, to improve our website functionality and security.
We do not collect or store any unnecessary personal data and never request sensitive information through unsecured online platforms.
2. How We Use Your Information
FST uses collected information solely for the purposes for which it was provided or as required by law. This may include:
- Responding to your inquiries or feedback.
- Providing counselling, medical, or referral services.
- Sharing updates about FST’s programmes, events, or advocacy work (only with your consent).
- Improving our website content and user experience.
- Fulfilling legal, ethical, or safeguarding obligations related to child protection and gender-based violence prevention.
We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party.
3. Information Security and Confidentiality
FST maintains strict confidentiality and data protection standards to safeguard all personal and sensitive information. Measures include:
- Secure storage of physical and digital records.
- Limited access to data, restricted to authorised staff members only.
- Regular training of staff on information handling, confidentiality, and safeguarding principles.
- Compliance with international best practices in data protection, especially concerning survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
All staff, volunteers, and partners are bound by FST’s Confidentiality and Child Safeguarding Policies. Breaches of confidentiality are treated as serious misconduct.
4. Sharing of Information
FST may share personal data only when it is absolutely necessary and always in line with consent and legal requirements. Information may be shared:
- With medical professionals, social workers, or law enforcement officers involved in survivor care (with consent or where legally required).
- With partner organisations providing complementary services, under strict confidentiality agreements.
- When disclosure is legally required to prevent harm or protect life, particularly in cases involving children or vulnerable individuals.
FST ensures that any third party handling shared information adheres to equivalent data protection and confidentiality standards.
5. Use of Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies help us understand how visitors use our site so that we can improve usability and content relevance.
You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. However, please note that some website features may not function optimally without them.
6. Your Rights
As a data subject, you have the right to:
- Access and review the personal information FST holds about you.
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unnecessary data.
- Withdraw consent for non-essential communications at any time.
- File a complaint if you believe your data has been mishandled.
All such requests can be made confidentially through our contact channels listed below.
7. Links to External Websites
Our website may contain links to external sites, such as partner organisations or donor agencies. FST is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of these third-party websites. We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of those websites before sharing any personal information.
8. Updates to This Policy
FST may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect new legal, operational, or technological requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, and the revised date will be indicated at the top of the policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact us directly.