Datumgate

About

Datumgate investigates claims of personal injury, fraud, and misconduct.

The firm is based in Victoria, Australia, and conducts investigations state-wide. The firm takes a versatile approach to investigations, using consultation, education, and data security as internal structures to promote its values.

Services involving the gathering and handling of sensitive information is an important resource for individuals, employers, insurers, legal professionals, and government.

The firm provides investigative services for claims management. Circumstance investigations are used for determining liability, resolving litigated matters, recovering from third parties, locating witnesses, collecting records, conducting research, and otherwise providing resources to respond to claims. Services focus on the appropriate gathering and handling of information, in compliance with the laws, codes, and directives of the Victorian public sector.

The firm is in a continuous process of development and adaptation to professionalise its industry presence with best practice enquiries and workplace safety.

Values

Investigative services are complex and nuanced, and require a firm equipped to handle sensitive data. Values are integral to the effective operation of the firm.

  • Probity

    • All policies and systems are designed to provide a strong foundation. High ethical and moral standards are paired with legal and regulatory compliance to achieve best practice in investigative services. Content in standard operating procedures and training manuals reinforces the methodology for the appropriate conduct of investigations.

    The firm conducts objective investigations. Objectivity is crucial for independent and fair enquiries.

  • Security

    • Secure handling of the personal and health information of clients throughout the data lifecycle is supported by the robust systems in place to maintain and secure sensitive data. Policies to protect data through security layers include Victorian Protective Data Security Standards and Information and Communications Technology Security.

    Privacy of personal and health information is reinforced in the methods used in evidence gathering and in behavioural standards. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with privacy law and to protect sensitive data.

  • Diligence

    • The service provided by the firm requires thorough and comprehensive investigations, conducted with care. The firm pursues open communications in good faith with stakeholders.

  • Improvement

    • Continuous improvement systems are supported through monitoring registers and quality systems. Consultative relationships are encouraged, and the firm is receptive to feedback and issue resolution.

    Initial training and subsequent professional development are resources provided for investigators and the expense in this process is the most important investment for the firm. Educated investigators professionalise the industry and ensure the delivery of the listed values.

The investigation team is focused on the core values. The firm promotes an environment for investigators to persevere until the job is done, supporting its staff particularly in data security, risk management, appropriate conduct, and quality.

Contact

Datumgate Pty Ltd - ACN 158 358 699
Luke Edwards
Lead Investigator
0431 458 548
luke@datumgate.com
PO Box 1248, Richmond North, Victoria 3121

Privacy

Datumgate is a licenced investigation firm and gathers information as its core business activity. The firm is registered and operational in Victoria, Australia. Instructions to investigate are provided by verified instructing officers and information is relayed to those officers in due course.

Investigators gather personal and health information as they perform their duties and are trained and licenced to gather this data. Data may be sensitive and protected and is handled accordingly. Data is controlled throughout its lifecycle. Datumgate supports investigators in preventing unauthorised usage and disclosure of sensitive data and has security measures in place. Investigated persons, and persons otherwise involved in the investigation, can reasonably expect to have their data protected and handled appropriately.

Gathered data generally includes information provided voluntarily by witnesses, information available publicly, and information otherwise collected in a legal and ethical manner to complete authorised investigations. The data is only used and disclosed for the purpose it was collected or as otherwise required by law.

Gathered data is disclosed to the client engaging the firm and a copy is retained in secure storage controlled by the firm. The firm has processes to destroy obsolete data.

The firm uses security layers to protect personal and health information. Investigators are trained to handle this data appropriately.

Policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with privacy law, including items as follows:

  • Confidentiality and Records Management Agreement
  • Victorian Protective Data Security Standards
  • Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Information and Communications Technology Security
  • Document Retention and Destruction
  • Clear Desk and Information in the Field

Persons engaged to provide investigative services are required to conduct themselves to the highest legal and ethical standards, particularly in how they treat data. Pertinent legislation includes Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic), and Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Accordingly, engaged persons are required to maintain compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Code of Practice for Private Investigators.

Measures to protect information are subject to continuous monitoring and improvement.

The company website is not designed to actively collect private information.

Witnesses can contact our office to make corrections to personal and health information.

Proactive steps have been taken to prevent data breaches. Any queries related to data breaches will be prioritised; please contact our office promptly for resolution.

The firm is receptive to complaints and uses feedback to help develop its data management systems. Any complaints are to be referred to Datumgate management personnel for resolution.