Commitment
The Office of the Ombudsman of Solomon Islands (OOSI) is committed to protecting user privacy.
OOSI’s collection, use, disclosure and storage of personal information (as briefly explained below) is therefore processed in accordance with the law.
Why OOSI may collect personal information
OOSI collects personal information for purposes of performing its constitutional and statutory functions. Some personal information considered too sensitive can only be collected when it is reasonably necessary for the exercise of power or performance of a core function under law.
Type of personal information held by OOSI
The type of personal information collected and held by OOSI is quite extensive as far as the scope of matters dealt with by the Ombudsman is concerned. This includes but not limited to:
- complainant’s personal contact details – name (subject to anonymity request), date of birth, email, postal address, telephone number and fax number, and details about the complaint;
- employment details;
- financial or bank account details;
- particulars about your education and training;
- health information; and
- disciplinary details.
How OOSI collects personal information
OOSI basically collects personal information through:
- the complaints it has received directly from you or from a third party (representative) on your behalf;
- submissions you made to this website through our online forms (however, no personal information is collected by OOSI when you browse our website); and
- other sources such as from other public bodies, individuals or private entities from whom information is sought for investigation purposes.
Protection, use and disclosure of personal information
Access to personal information in OOSI is strictly on work-related basis only.
OOSI may use your personal information under lawful circumstances such as the following as per the Ombudsman Act:
- assessing and determining how best your complaint should be dealt with;
- investigation of your complaint;
- referral of your complaint (or part of it) to another person or office if the Ombudsman considers that that person or office is in a better position to assist in resolving your complaint;
- where you have consented to disclosing your personal information;
- making of investigation reports of which copies are to be furnished to the public body or government Minister concern; or
- where a legal proceeding arise out of the operation of the Ombudsman Act.
It is a requirement of law that any information that may identify an individual who made a complaint to the Ombudsman must be deleted from any investigation-related report that is submitted to the Prime Minister for tabling in Parliament.
OOSI staff members are under Oath not to divulge any information (including personal information) received by them in the performance of their functions to any person except in accordance with the Constitution and the Ombudsman Act.
Unlawful disclosure of information by the Ombudsman, any of his authorised officers, or staff members is an offence punishable with a maximum fine of $5,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both such fine and imprisonment.
OOSI therefore has higher regard to protecting your personal information. If you are however concerned about how OOSI handles your information, you are welcome to raise the concern with the Ombudsman in writing or telephone us on (677) 21855 or (677) 21856 and ask to speak with any member of our Legal Team.