Photographing, Filming and Recording Staff and Other Adults

Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the collection and use of photographs, films and recordings of staff and other adults at Footscray High School complies with relevant legislation and Department policy.

Summary

• Photographs, films and other recordings of individuals are considered personal information, and as such are protected by privacy law in the same way as other personal information. They may also be protected by copyright law.

• This policy applies to photographing, filming and recording staff and other adults. For policy and guidance on photographing, filming and recording students, refer to Photographing, Filming and Recording Students.

Staff must be made aware of the purpose of the photos and who they will be shared with.

Purpose Consent

Compass ID pass or core school function Not required.

CCTV Not required.

Official school photographs (class and staff) Verbal consent is recommended.

FHS website, social media and publications Written consent is recommended.

Media, e.g. news media, Use the Consent Form Template .

Member of Parliament visiting school Use the Consent Form Template .

For further information on Members of Parliament visiting schools, refer to Members of Parliament and Candidates Visiting Schools.

Crowd or event setting

Crowd shots that do not feature any particular individual do not need a signed consent from each person. Opt-out consent can be used instead, for example:

• add information about intended photography and, or filming to event invitations and newsletter articles

• display the Crowd photo notice & release up at entrances that advise that a photographer is present and that ask anyone who does not wish to be photographer to make themselves known

Research

Consent for taking and publishing photographs, film or recordings should be defined and included in the written consent for participating in the research.

Commemorative purposes

For photographs for commemorative purposes, such as anniversary books it may not always be possible to seek retrospective consent for photographs already held by the school.

These photographs may not be subject to privacy requirements if they were taken before 2000, but ethical considerations will still apply.

These photographs may be used for commemorative purposes without seeking retrospective consent if the risks have been considered and decisions are documented as part of the commemorative project documentation.

Assess the risk and ethical nature of using photographs by reviewing the photos and asking the following questions:

• Does the photograph or video identify an individual?

• Is it practical to alter the photograph or video to de-identify subjects?

• Is the photograph or video of a sensitive nature? For example, an unpleasant event or someone in a swimsuit

• Does the photograph or video indicate a health condition?

• Are there cultural considerations?

• Is the location or context sensitive?

• Is the photograph of old documents? Copies of letters or awards may include personal information such as names, signatures, home addresses, and other contact details. Is removal of the information practical?

School leadership should be informed of any planned commemorative activities and you can also seek advice from the DET Privacy team.