The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) gives individuals the right to ask any organisation which processes personal data about them for a copy of that information.
You are entitled to see personal data that are held electronically as well as those held in most manual records. These types of requests are called subject access requests (SARs).
How can I find out what information Solutions SK holds about me?
You can make a SAR by writing to the Business Systems Manager, Solutions SK Ltd., Enterprise House, Oakhurst Drive, Stockport, SK3 0XT or by emailing us at
systems@solutionssk.co.uk
Is there a charge?
Under the Data Protection (Subject Access)(Fees and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2000 Solutions SK is entitled to charge up to £10 for each SAR. This fee must be provided before we will respond to your request. If your request involves information held in unstructured manual records we may charge more than £10; however any such charges will be made in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004.
What other information do I have to provide?
You should also include your present address as this will help us locate your information and is where we will send our response. We also need two pieces of evidence to prove your identity such as a recent utility or council tax bill, your driving licence or other similar items which include your name and address. This is so we can ensure your personal data remains secure and is only sent to you at your address.
You should also provide us with as much detail as you can about the information you want to access so we can locate it quickly. If we need to contact you for further information to help us find the personal data you requested you may have to wait longer for a response.
Once we have located your personal data we will post copies to you by Special Delivery. If this is not possible or if you request otherwise, we will arrange for you to view your information at Solutions SK premises in the presence of a member of staff.
How long will it take to get access to my information?
Once we have received your SAR in writing, the fee, proof of your identity and any information we reasonably require to locate your personal data, we have 40 calendar days to provide you with your information.
Can I arrange for someone else to request access to the information on my behalf?
Yes. You can ask anyone to act on your behalf such as a friend, relative, solicitor or employee of a consumer organisation such as a Citizens Advice Bureau. Before we will discuss or provide your personal data to anyone acting on your behalf you must confirm to us in writing that they have your authority to do so.
Can I see all the information that's held about me?
Under the DPA we must provide you with all the personal data you are entitled to. This usually means we will provide you with everything we hold about you; however in some cases certain information may be exempt. This means we do not have to provide it to you.
There are a number of reasons why information may be exempt; however as an example, it may be exempt if providing it to you would compromise the prevention or detection of crime or the prosecution of offenders. In certain cases we may also withhold some information relating to education, health and social work.
What if I'm not satisfied with Solutions SK response?
You can contact the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer directly by post or email using the above details. You can also complain using our complaints procedure. A complaint form and further information is available using the links on the right or by calling The Director of Organisational Development on 0161 474 5640.
Alternatively you can email gettingitright@stockport.gov.uk.
Complaining to the Information Commissioner
You can also complain to the Information Commissioner about the way Solutions SK or any other organisation is processing your personal data. The Information Commissioner is an independent regulator who provides advice and guidance on and enforces the DPA.
The Commissioner will not normally investigate complaints if you have not tried to resolve the matter with the organisation yourself first. You can contact the Information Commissioner at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Helpline: 01625 545 745
Fax: 01625 524510
Details of the scheme can be obtained from the Business Systems Manager by emailing systems@solutionssk.co.uk or by writing to us at Solutions SK Limited, Enterprise House, Oakhurst Drive, off Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle Heath, Stockport SK3 0XT.