Subject Access Request

What is a Subject Access Request?

The UK General Data Protection Regulation gives individuals (data subjects) a number of rights including the right to access personal data that an organisation holds about them. The right of access extends to all information held on an individual and includes personnel files, data-bases, interview notes and emails referring to the individual. If an individual makes a request to view their information, it is known as a "Subject Access Request".

How do I request it?

If you are specifically interested in Social Work records, please make your request directly to our Social Work Department which can be done here.

You must:

• supply information to prove who you are (to eliminate risk of unauthorised disclosure)
• supply appropriate information to help the council to locate the information they require.

The request should include details and provide evidence of who you are (e.g. driving licence, passport, birth certificate, utility bills). You should also provide as much detail as possible regarding the information you wish to access (e.g. where and by whom information is believed to be held, specific details of information required).

This list is not exhaustive and other forms of identification may be acceptable.  At least one form of identification should contain the same signature that is on your application form or letter and one with a photograph. Please note that the Council will not be able to comply with any requests received unless satisfactory proof of identification is provided.

If you send us copies of your documentation, please provide us with certified copies.  A professional person or someone well respected within your community, such as a solicitor, social worker, teacher or police officer, can certify documents by signing and dating them.

You are not required to state WHY you wish to access the information: the details we require are merely those that will aid the efficient location and retrieval of information.

Once the Officer receives a Subject Access Request, all efforts will be made to fully comply within one month. In any event, you will receive all the information that has been located and can be released within one month and an explanation for any information that cannot be provided at that time.

Make a request in writing to:

Data Protection and Freedom of Information Team
Glasgow City Council
City Chambers
Glasgow
G2 1DU

You can also contact our team by email at foi@glasgow.gov.uk