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Privacy and data protection

Make a data protection complaint

If you are unhappy with how the council has handled your personal information, you can make a complaint to us. 

Use this process if your complaint is about:

If your complaint is not in relation to data protection, please view how you can have your say.

Accessibility

This information can be provided in accessible formats on request. If you need help to make a complaint, please cotact Data Protection Officer and we will consider reasonable adjustments.

How to make a complaint

You can submit your complaint online, by email or in writing to Data Protection Officer.

Here's what to include in your complaint:

  • What happened
  • When it happened
  • Why you are concerned

It helps if you include any reference numbers and copies of correspondence, or other documents that you would like us to consider. If you use the online form, we will get in touch after you submit your complaint to ask for these.

Make a data protection complaint

What happens next

We:

  • Will acknowledge your complaint as soon as we can
  • Will review the information you provide
  • May contact you if we need anything further
  • Aim to give you a full response within 30 days - if that is not possible, we will let you know why and tell you when you can expect a response

How we will look into your complaint

Your complaint will be reviewed by the Data Protection Officer or by a staff member asked to investigate it. We will look at the relevant information and, if necessary, speak to the team involved before responding to you.

Possible outcomes

After investigating, we will explain our decision in writing. This may include an apology, an explanation of what happened, confirmation that we have taken corrective action, or confirmation that we consider the council has complied with our obligations.

If you are still dissatisfied

If you are still dissatisfied after receiving our response, you can ask us to review the outcome. You can also raise your concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office once the council’s process has been completed.

How we use your information

We will use the information you provide to investigate and respond to your complaint. We may share it internally with staff who need it for that purpose, and we may disclose information where the law requires us to do so.

Your information will be kept in line with the council’s retention arrangements for complaints. For more information about how the council handles personal data and your rights, view:

If you have any questions about how your information is used in connection with your complaint, please contact the Data Protection Officer.

Contact

Data Protection Officer
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB

dataprotection@aberdeenshire.gov.uk