Below are some of the more
commonly questions we are asked about the records we keep about
people. You may have other questions and we would be glad to answer
them. Please contact us.
Can I see personal information about me held by the Suffolk
County Council?
Yes, you can ask to see all personal information recorded about
you, unless certain exceptions apply. Your records may be a mixture
of computer printouts and written records. You are entitled to see
and receive both types of record.
What if the information about me is held on someone else's
file?
It may be possible for you to see this information, but you will
not be able to see anything about
the other person on whose file the information is held
unless:
- he/she agrees;
- in exceptional circumstances where it is felt “reasonable in
all the circumstances”* to disclose that information without that
person’s consent.
How do I get hold of the information?
By contacting:
Access to Records Social
Worker
Children and Young People's Services
Endeavour House,
Russell Road,
Ipswich, IP1 2BX.
Telephone: 01473 264874
How long will it be before I can see the information?
We will acknowledge your request to see your files within 5
working days. We should make the information you have asked for
available to you within 40 days of receiving your written requests.
Sometimes we may take longer than 40 days, for
example:
- if we need more information to identify you
- if we need information to help us find what you are looking
for
In either case, the 40 day time limit will run from when we have
located your file. We may need to contact other people who are
mentioned in the information we hold, to ask for their agreement to
you reading about them.
The Access to Records Social Worker will make sure that your
request to see your records is dealt with. He/she will either make
direct contact or arrange for a social care manager to contact you.
You will have the opportunity to visit a local office and see the
information held on your file. We can arrange for you to have
copies of the information you see. If we do not have any
information about you which we are required to disclose, we will
tell you this in writing.
If we do have information about you, but we cannot disclose it, we
will tell you this and give you the reasons we cannot disclose
it.