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Access Tools

How do I get access to my records?

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you can ask us to let you see information that Social Services may hold about you.

We will need information from you to trace the records (such as when and where services were provided. In addition, we will need evidence of your identity, such as a photocopy of your driving licence, employee's ID card, security pass or benefit book.

Please note that all requests must be in writing.

Can I get access to someone else's records?

If you require information on behalf of someone else, we require clear evidence of your authority to act for them such as a letter of instruction or power of attorney which must be signed by the person you act for.

You will need to send this information with your request to the address below (see 'contact information').

Dealing with your application

Once we have all the information we need, we will comply with your request within 40 days. Arrangements will then be made for the information to be disclosed to you.

You may not have the right to see some of the information held about you. For example

• Where disclosure would be prejudicial to crime prevention and detection
• Where data is held under legal privilege
• Where disclosure of information concerning health or social work concerns would cause serious harm to the individual
• Copies of court reports can only be provided with the leave of the specific court

Why do Social Services collect information about people?

Social Services collect information about individuals in order to plan the services you need, check the cost and quality of the care you receive as well as planning and developing services for the future. We also want to make sure that the people providing your care know about your specific needs.

Information may be written down or held on a computer. We do not share your records with anyone else unless you say we can. The only exception would be where the law says we should, such as court proceedings, to prevent a crime, or where the health and safety of someone is at risk (eg. the protection of a child).

The reason we may share information with others is because you may receive care from different individuals and organisations, not just Social Services. Working together with Health services, Education or Housing services or organisations in the voluntary or private sectors means that you will benefit from a better service. However, we will only share what others need to know to provide the services you need and with your permission.