Privacy & Ethical guidelines

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 18th September, 2024

At Queer at Work, protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data is of paramount importance to us. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).


1. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for processing your personal data is:
Isabel Ros Ruiz
hello@queeratwork.no


2. What Personal Data We Collect

We collect and process the following personal data for recruitment purposes:

  • Identification Data: Name, contact information (email address, phone number, home address)
  • Professional Information: CV/resume, job history, education details, qualifications, certifications
  • Sensitive Data: In certain cases, we may process special categories of data, such as information about disabilities, only with your explicit consent.
  • Job Preferences: Desired roles, salary expectations, location preferences, and availability
  • References: Names and contact details of your references, provided by you
  • Website Data: Information collected via cookies when using our website, including IP address, browser type, and browsing activity

3. Purpose of Data Collection

We collect and process your personal data for the following purposes:

  • Recruitment: To match your profile with job opportunities and communicate with you about positions that may be suitable for you.
  • Training: To give you courses and mentorship opportunities suitable for you.
  • Compliance with Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations, including employment laws.
  • Consent: In some cases, we may request your consent to process your personal data (e.g., storing your profile for future job opportunities). You can withdraw consent at any time.
  • Analytics: To improve our services and website performance, subject to your cookie preferences.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent: When you provide your data voluntarily (e.g., uploading your CV, signing up for job alerts)
  • Contractual Necessity: When processing is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations (e.g., submitting your application to potential employers)
  • Legal Obligations: When processing is required by law (e.g., equal employment opportunity reporting)
  • Legitimate Interest: For other purposes, such as improving our services, provided that your rights and freedoms are not overridden.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal data with:

  • Prospective Employers: Your data may be shared with employers for recruitment purposes, only with your prior consent.
  • Volunteers: our data may be shared with volunteers who provide services to you, only with your prior consent.
  • Service Providers: Third-party service providers who assist us with our operations (e.g., IT support, cloud services), bound by confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal and Regulatory Authorities: If required by law, or to protect our legal rights.

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.


6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations.


7. Your Rights

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: Request corrections to your data if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (“right to be forgotten”), subject to certain legal exceptions.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitations on the processing of your personal data.
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format and transfer it to another data controller.
  • Right to Object: Object to the processing of your personal data based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
  • Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe your rights under GDPR have been violated.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at hello@queeratwork.no


8. Security of Your Data

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, destruction, or alteration. This includes encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.


9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Any changes will be posted on our website, and significant updates will be communicated to you directly.


10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or the way we handle your personal data, please contact:

Isabel Ros Ruiz
hello@queeratwork.no

Ethical guidelines

1. Respect for Dignity and Identity

  • Affirming Self-Identification: We respect the right of individuals to self-identify their gender, sexual orientation, and cultural background. We use the names and pronouns chosen by the individuals and provide inclusive forms or platforms that recognize non-binary, transgender, and other gender identities.
  • Privacy of Identity: We safeguard the privacy of queer youth in all interactions and communications. Avoid disclosing sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other personal information without explicit consent, particularly in sensitive environments like workplaces.

2. Non-Discrimination and Inclusion

  • Equal Opportunity: We ensure that all services, support, and job opportunities are provided without discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristics.
  • Inclusive Recruitment Practices: We work only with employers who have clear policies against discrimination and are committed to diversity and inclusion. We promote inclusive hiring practices that focus on skills and qualifications rather than personal characteristics.
  • Affirmative Action: We advocate for positive measures to support queer youth from minority backgrounds, recognizing the additional barriers they may face, without compromising fairness in the recruitment process.

3. Privacy and Data Protection

  • Confidentiality: We handle all personal information, including demographic data and employment history, with the highest level of confidentiality. We only collect information that is necessary and relevant to our initiatives.
  • GDPR Compliance: We ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by obtaining informed consent before collecting, storing, or sharing any personal data.
  • Transparency: We are transparent about what data is collected, how it will be used, and who it will be shared with. Youth should have the ability to access, correct, or delete their personal information at any time.

4. Empowerment and Autonomy

  • Informed Choices: We provide queer youth with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their career paths. We ensure they are aware of their rights in the workplace, including protection from harassment or discrimination.
  • Consent and Voluntary Participation: Participation in job placement programs should always be voluntary. Youth should feel empowered to decline or withdraw from opportunities without fear of negative consequences.
  • Skills Development: We focus on developing both hard and soft skills to empower queer youth to succeed in the workplace, enhancing their long-term employability and career resilience.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Understanding

  • Tailored Support: We acknowledge the unique challenges faced by queer youth from minority backgrounds, including cultural, religious, and community-related pressures. We offer personalized support that considers these intersecting identities.
  • Avoid Cultural Assumptions: We do not make assumptions about the cultural or religious beliefs of participants. Instead, we engage in open conversations, allowing individuals to express how their identities and backgrounds impact their career decisions.
  • Education for Employers: We educate potential employers about the specific challenges faced by queer youth from minority backgrounds to foster more understanding and inclusive work environments.

6. Safe Spaces and Support Networks

  • Safe and Affirming Environments: We create physical and virtual spaces where queer youth feel safe, respected, and able to express their concerns. We ensure all meetings, events, and job placement activities are free from harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
  • Peer Support: We encourage the formation of peer support groups where queer youth can share experiences, advice, and encouragement. We facilitate mentorship programs connecting participants with LGBTQ+ professionals and allies from diverse backgrounds.

7. Accountability and Continuous Improvement

  • Transparent Feedback Mechanisms: We establish clear channels for participants to provide feedback, report concerns, or lodge complaints about any aspect of the program, including recruitment practices or workplace experiences.
  • Ethical Partnerships: We collaborate only with organizations, companies, and individuals who align with the ethical values of non-discrimination, inclusion, and respect for diversity. We vet all partners to ensure their commitment to creating inclusive work environments.

8. Advocacy and Education

  • Workplace Awareness Campaigns: We advocate for inclusive workplace policies and practices in the broader business community, focusing on issues such as anti-discrimination laws, inclusive benefits, and protection for LGBTQ+ employees.
  • Raising Public Awareness: We engage in public education campaigns to combat stereotypes and misconceptions about queer individuals, particularly those from minority backgrounds. We promote diversity as a strength in the workforce.
  • Championing Legal Rights: We support and advocate for legal reforms that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, including equal opportunity, anti-harassment protections, and access to benefits.

9. Ethics in Representation

  • Avoid Tokenism: We ensure that job placements or promotions of queer youth are based on merit and skills, avoiding situations where individuals are tokenized as part of diversity quotas or marketing campaigns.
  • Respect for Personal Stories: When sharing success stories or testimonials, we ensure that participants give informed consent and that their stories are portrayed accurately and respectfully. We avoid exploiting personal stories for publicity without considering the potential impact on the individual’s privacy and well-being.