Subject Access Request (SAR)

What is the right of access?

You have the right to ask an organisation whether or not they are using or storing your personal information. You can also ask them for copies of your personal information, verbally or in writing.

This is called the right of access and is commonly known as making a subject access request or SAR.

Why make a subject access request?

You can make a subject access request to find out:

  • what personal information an organisation holds about you;

  • how they are using it;

  • who they are sharing it with; and

  • where they got your data from.

This information can also help you exercise your other information rights effectively.


Further information is available on the Information Commissioner’s Office website - https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/your-right-to-get-copies-of-your-data/

Citizens Advice Lancashire West - Subject Access Request Form

As stated above, it is not a requirement to complete this form. It does make the process quicker though as it helps us to know who you have been in contact with so we can carry out appropriate searches, gives us enough information to help us verify your identity and lets us know what data you are looking for and how you would like to receive it.

The personal information collected from you by this form will only be used for the purposes of identifying the personal data you are requesting and sending the information to you. We will retain a copy of our correspondence and any personal data disclosed for six years.
We will respond in no later than one calendar month. In exceptional circumstances where it is not  possible to comply within this period you will be informed of the delay, the reason for the delay, and given a timescale for when your request is likely to be met.

In certain circumstances, Data Protection legislation permits Citizens Advice Lancashire West to withhold information, for example information likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health or condition of you, or any other person, and information relating to or provided by a third person who has not consented to
the disclosure.