Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Team Aligned ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.teamaligned.co.za or engage our services.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

By using our website or services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide:

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out contact forms on our website
• Book our training services
• Subscribe to our newsletter or updates
• Participate in our training programs
• Communicate with us via email, phone, or WhatsApp
• Provide feedback or testimonials

This information may include:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Company name and position
• Training preferences and requirements
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Any other information you choose to provide

Information Automatically Collected:

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Device identifiers
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Service Delivery:

• Process and manage your training bookings
• Deliver our leadership training programs
• Communicate with you about your sessions
• Provide customer support
• Send you important updates about your bookings

Business Operations:

• Improve our services and training programs
• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Develop new training modules and content
• Maintain and improve our website functionality
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

Marketing and Communications:

• Send you newsletters and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Inform you about new services or special offers
• Request feedback and testimonials
• Share relevant industry insights and resources

Legal Compliance:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to legal requests or government inquiries
• Protect our rights and property
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions

4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA Compliance)

Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on the following lawful grounds:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for specific purposes
• Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations to provide training services
• Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with the law
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided your rights are not overridden

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:

Service Providers:

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email marketing services
• Payment processing
• Analytics and data analysis
• Customer relationship management

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

Business Transfers:

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

Legal Requirements:

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

With Your Consent:

We may share your information with third parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website performance and functionality
• Provide personalized content

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage patterns
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection
• Regular backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Specific retention periods:

• Client Information: Retained for the duration of our business relationship and up to 7 years thereafter for legal and accounting purposes
• Marketing Data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website Analytics: Typically retained for 26 months
• Financial Records: Retained for at least 5 years as required by law

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal information for certain purposes
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organization
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 15.

10. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you marketing communications about our services, special offers, and relevant industry insights. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails
• Contacting us directly at info@teamaligned.co.za
• Updating your communication preferences

Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you important service-related messages regarding your bookings or account.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

13. International Data Transfers

Your personal information is primarily stored and processed in South Africa. If we transfer your information to countries outside of South Africa, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with POPIA requirements.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
• Displaying a notice on our website

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Team Aligned
Email: info@teamaligned.co.za
Website: www.teamaligned.co.za
Location: Springs, Gauteng, South Africa

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

16. Information Regulator

If you believe we have not handled your personal information properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

Information Regulator (South Africa)
JD House, 27 Stiemens Street
Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
P.O Box 31533, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg