Data protection and security

Data protection complaints

How to make a complaint

You can make a complaint in any of the following ways:

You can also raise concerns with any member of staff, and they will ensure it is passed to the Information Governance team.

What you should include

To help us investigate, please provide:

  • your name and contact details
  • details of your concern
  • any relevant dates
  • any supporting evidence

If you cannot provide this information, we will still do our best to help you.

What happens next

When we receive your complaint:

  1. We will acknowledge it within 30 days.
  2. We will investigate your concerns.
  3. We will keep you informed of progress.
  4. We will provide you with a written outcome.

We aim to resolve complaints without undue delay.

Identification requirements

In some cases, we may need to confirm your identity before progressing your complaint. This is to protect your personal data. We will only ask for information that is necessary and proportionate.

Complaints that include other issues

Some complaints may include:

  • service complaints
  • complaints about staff or decisions

Where this happens, we will:

  • investigate the data protection elements only
  • work with the relevant service to inform their response

Complaining to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

If you are not satisfied with how we have handled your complaint, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

We encourage you to contact us first so we can try to resolve your concerns.

Support for children and young people

Children and young people can make a complaint themselves.

We will:

  • use clear and simple language
  • provide support to help you explain your concerns
  • treat your complaint seriously

If needed, a parent, carer or advocate can help you make a complaint.

Support for vulnerable individuals

If you need additional support to make a complaint, we can:

  • provide information in accessible formats
  • offer support by phone
  • work with a representative or advocate

Please contact us using any of the methods above.