Data protection complaints

We are committed to protecting your personal data and make sure it is handled in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. If you think your personal information had been mishandled, you have the right to raise a complaint.

Making a complaint

This section outlines who can file a complaint, how to do so and what complaints are covered.

Who can make a complaint

Anyone whose personal data Wakefield Council has used can make a complaint if they think it was not handled in line with the law.

You may also make a complaint on behalf of someone else if you have their written permission or legal authority to do so.

What issues can be considered

• alleged breaches of data protection law
• failure to comply with your data subject rights (e.g., access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection)
• concerns you may have about your data security or breaches of confidentiality
• concerns regarding Inaccurate or incomplete personal data the Council may hold about you
• unlawful or unfair processing of your personal data
• if you believe your data is being held for longer than is necessary or specified

How to make a complaint

You can make your Complaint in writing, by telephone or by email.

• by email: dataprotection@wakefield.gov.uk
• by Post: Corporate Information Governance Team, County Hall, Bond Street, Wakefield, WF1 2QW
• by phone: call 01924 306112

To help us investigate effectively, please include:

• your full name and contact details
• a clear description of your complaint, including relevant dates, events and reference numbers.
• any supporting evidence (e.g., correspondence, screenshots, documents)
• the outcome you are seeking, if applicable

What to expect throughout the process

Acknowledgement

We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 days. The acknowledgement will confirm:

• that we have received your complaint
• the contact details of the person dealing with it
• the expected timeframe for investigation and response

Investigation process

A senior member of the Corporate Information Governance Team will review your complaint.

They may work with other council departments to conduct the investigation. This will help us determine if your information has been handled correctly.

• we may contact you for further clarification or additional evidence

Response and resolution

We aim to reply in writing within 30 calendar days after we have acknowledged  your complaint. If it is more complex and needs more time, we will write to you to explain why and tell you when to expect our reply.

Escalation options

If you are not happy with our reply, you can ask the Council’s Data Protection Officer to review it.

You can submit this request in any of the following ways:

• by email: dpo@wakefield.gov.uk
• by Post: FAO Data Protection Officer, Corporate Information Governance Team, County Hall, Bond Street, Wakefield, WF1 2QW
• by phone: call 01924 306112

If you are still not happy after the review, you can take your complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint