By using RGS services, individuals and organizations consent to RGS’ use of personal information. This Privacy Policy is intended to provide general information about RGS’ privacy practices and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection can vary by jurisdiction. For specific legal guidance related to specific situations, RGS recommends consulting with a qualified attorney.

Purpose

RGS respects and protects the privacy of all individuals who interact with our organization and provides this policy to facilitate informed decision making about sharing information with RGS.  RGS handles personal information in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Policy

Personal information that RGS may collect on a voluntary basis from those who interact with RGS services includes.

  • Contact information such as name, email address, postal address, and telephone number.
  • Professional information including job title, employer, and professional affiliations.
  • Financial information for processing payments.

In rare cases, and with explicit consent, RGS may collect sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or other government identifiers, for necessary purposes such as hiring.

How RGS Uses Personal Information

RGS processes personal information for various legitimate purposes, including to:

  • Provide, improve, and administer delivery and payment for RGS services.
  • Respond to client inquiries, send administrative messages, and share information about RGS service terms or policies.
  • Facilitate contract creation, authentication, and maintenance for provided services.
  • Comply with legal obligations and respond to public records requests as required by law.
  • Send general marketing communications about our services, events, or updates.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

RGS respects the confidentiality of personal information and will not sell or share it with third parties for their marketing purposes. However, RGS may disclose personal information for certain business purposes, such as:

  • RGS may share information with trusted third-party vendors who perform services for RGS, such as IT support, data hosting, or analytics.
  • RGS may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of RGS, RGS clients, or others.
  • In the extremely unlikely event of an agency consolidation or the dissolution of RGS, a transfer of assets, including information may be made in accordance with applicable laws.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

RGS’ website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand user preferences. The use of cookies can be controlled by users through browser settings; disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

Digital Identification Information

RGS’ website may automatically collect digital identification information such as IP addresses and IP location information. RGS will not intentionally release any information about the collection of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses/location to any third-party except as required by applicable law. This information is not tied to personal identifying information.

Data Retention

RGS retains personal information only for as long as necessary to comply with legal obligations.

Data Security

RGS has implemented reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

These measures may include encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is entirely secure, and RGS cannot guarantee absolute security.

User Rights

Users of RGS systems have the following rights regarding their own personal information, including:

  • Right to Access: A user may request a copy of the personal data RGS possesses and uses. RGS will make reasonable efforts to search for and provide personal information directly provided to us or collected during business interactions. If data is not readily accessible, identifiable, or not tied to personal identifying information, RGS will not provide it.
  • Right to Rectification: If personal information is inaccurate or incomplete, a user may request correction or amendment.
  • Right to Erasure: Under certain circumstances, a user may request that RGS deletes their personal information.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: A user can request limitations on how RGS uses their personal information.

To exercise any of these rights, please use the details provided in the “Contact Information” section below.

Who Is Covered

This Privacy Policy applies to all individuals who interact with RGS, including but not limited to:

  • Individuals who access or use our website or online services.
  • Individuals who contact us via email, telephone or other means.
  • Individuals who engage in RGS services or request information about them.
  • Individuals who attend our events, workshops, or training sessions.
  • Individuals who participate in surveys or other information-gathering activities.
  • Individuals who apply for employment or contractor positions with RGS.
  • Personnel engaged by RGS who are subject to separate employment or contractor agreements, in compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Responsibilities and Procedures

Users have the following responsibilities:

  • Ensuring personal information provided to RGS is accurate, complete, and up to date.
  • Notifying RGS immediately of any unexpected use.

RGS has the following responsibilities:

  • Providing transparent, clear, and accessible information about our data processing activities.
  • Implementing appropriate measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
  • Addressing questions or concerns about privacy practices promptly and courteously.
  • Reviewing and updating RGS policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Procedures

To ensure the effective implementation of this Privacy Policy, RGS has established the following procedures:

  • A contact mechanism for individuals to request access to or correction of their personal information. RGS will verify your identity before fulfilling such requests.
  • Instructions on how to unsubscribe or opt out of marketing communications or allowing direct contact to update your communication preferences.
  • Notification of significant changes to this Privacy Policy by posting a notice on our website or by other appropriate means.

Additional Information

Children’s Privacy:  RGS does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 18, in adherence to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If RGS becomes or is made aware that we have collected personal information from a minor without parental consent, RGS will take steps to delete that information promptly.

External Links:  RGS’ website may contain links to external sites not operated by RGS. RGS has no control over the content and practices of these sites and does not accept responsibility or liability for their respective privacy policies. RGS encourages users to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites.

Credit Card Transactions:  RGS directs payees to a third-party processor for credit card transactions via a secure connection. The third-party processor uses firewalls and other security technology to minimize the risk of unauthorized transactions, and once on the third-party site, individuals are subject to the third-party’s privacy policy. Information will not be shared with any other third-party entity, unless required by law. If RGS determines that it must make this information available, RGS will make a reasonable attempt to notify the affected parties.

Do-Not-Track Signals:  Currently, RGS’ website does not respond to Do-Not-Track (DNT) signals or similar mechanisms because there is no established standard for such signals, as noted by the California Attorney General’s guidelines on privacy. RGS will monitor developments in this area and update our practices if a uniform standard is adopted.

Contact Information

Regional Government Services
P.O. Box 1350
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Email: administration@rgs.ca.gov