I think Tim has the right approach here. If it is mutually agreeable and the subject can sign that they have been accorded their rights, I cannot see how anyone can object. The only instance however where I know a visit to have occurred was with a person who had a huge file, which was costly and difficult to copy. The file was redacted (or at least nothing was found to need redacting), the person was invited along - they were very happy as they were also able to ask questions of the person that supervised them. They had as long as needed and had several pages of interest copied for them. A mutual solution to the problem. I have not seen anywhere where the ICO says this is not allowed, but I would be interested to see in what context it is placed if there is a statement. Simon. -----Original Message----- From: Tim Trent [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 06 February 2006 10:23 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [data-protection] Subject access inspection of records Let's apply logic. The individual is entitled to paper copies, but they may choose to waive that right (you should get them to sign a satisfaction slip at the end of any such inspection - not with the data but that they are satisfied that they have had their request fulfilled). The issue comes when you need to redact information. I am perfectly happy to offer individuals the chance of making a physical accompanied inspection provided I have their prior written agreement and they then sign the satisfaction note. They have the option in the final case of "not being happy" and the note can allow for this. Tim Trent - Consultant Direct: +44(0)1344 392644 Mobile:+44(0)7710 126618 email: [log in to unmask] Marketing Improvement Limited, Abbey House, Grenville Place, Bracknell, United Kingdom, RG12 1BP http://www.marketingimprovement.com Important: This mail contains proprietary information some or all of which may be legally privileged. It is for the intended recipient only. 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Their copying, transmission, reproduction in whole or in part may only be undertaken with the express permission, in writing, of Marketing Improvement Limited. -----Original Message----- From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gillian Whichelo Sent: 06 February 2006 10:17 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [data-protection] Subject access inspection of records Dear List serve members I am in the process of revising our DP procedures on handling subject access requests. The DP legislation and guidance sets out that records are to be disclosed in a permanent form to the data subject. However I am sure that you have found that there are occasions when it is best to invite the data subject in to the office so that the subject can inspect the records. However I understand that ICO says that inspection is not allowed. Yet at the same time access to medical records, where the new manual records were added after the request was made, can be dealt with by inspection And Pupils are allowed to see or receive copies of their educational records, by mutual agreement of school and data subject. So inspection can take place. What do other Data Protection Officers do- do you allow inspection under very tight guidelines or is there a ban on inspection? Gillian Whichelo Royal Borough of Kingston ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ All archives of messages are stored permanently and are available to the world wide web community at large at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/data-protection.html If you wish to leave this list please send the command leave data-protection to [log in to unmask] All user commands can be found at : - http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/help/commandref.htm Any queries about sending or receiving message please send to the list owner [log in to unmask] (all commands go to [log in to unmask] not the list please) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ All archives of messages are stored permanently and are available to the world wide web community at large at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/data-protection.html If you wish to leave this list please send the command leave data-protection to [log in to unmask] All user commands can be found at : - http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/help/commandref.htm Any queries about sending or receiving message please send to the list owner [log in to unmask] (all commands go to [log in to unmask] not the list please) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ All archives of messages are stored permanently and are available to the world wide web community at large at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/data-protection.html If you wish to leave this list please send the command leave data-protection to [log in to unmask] All user commands can be found at : - http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/help/commandref.htm Any queries about sending or receiving message please send to the list owner [log in to unmask] (all commands go to [log in to unmask] not the list please) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^