Ministry of Education Career Site

This privacy statement explains how the Ministry of Education collects, uses and stores your personal information when you apply for a position with us. It also explains your rights under the Privacy Act 2020.

If your application is successful, you will be provided with more information about privacy at onboarding.

What personal information we collect

At the application stage we collect:

• Personal details: e.g., name, contact information.
• Job-related information: e.g., CV, employment history, qualifications and references.
• Assessment and interview information: e.g., notes from interviews, screening results, and assessments.
• Diversity and inclusion information (voluntary): e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability status.
• Other information as required: e.g., preferences, availability or documents submitted.

Why we collect it

At the application stage, we collect your information to:

• Assess your suitability for roles and job opportunities.
• Communicate with you regarding job applications, interviews, and recruitment updates.
• Verify your qualifications and background.
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations (e.g., equal opportunity monitoring and reporting).
• Promote diversity and inclusion within our organisation.
• Consider you for future roles or positions if no immediate opportunities are available.
• Produce statistics, reporting and insights, for internal and external purposes.

Providing diversity and inclusion information is optional. If you choose to opt-out, doing so will not affect your application.

How we collect it

In addition to the information we collect directly from you, we may collect information about you from third-party sources, with your consent. Third-party sources include:

• Referees.
• Previous employers.
• Background screening providers, e.g., Ministry of Justice.
• Professional bodies or qualification-verification services.
• Recruitment agencies or job platforms.

How we keep it safe

The information you provide and that we may collect from third-party sources will be stored securely in the Ministry’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS), payroll system and Microsoft SharePoint.

Your information is only accessible to staff involved in the recruitment process, such as Human Resources and hiring managers, or who require access to do their job.

We store your information for as long as necessary to meet the purposes outlined in this statement. If your application is unsuccessful, we will typically keep your information for a specific period to consider you for future roles.

If your application is successful, your information will be kept for the duration of your employment and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Who we share information with

We may share your information with third-party service providers, with your consent, for the purposes described in this statement.

Your privacy rights

The Privacy Act gives you the right to request access personal information the Ministry holds about you and request correction of that information if you think it is wrong.

To make a request, contact: enquiries.national@education.govt.nz.