Your information

You can ask the person you're dealing with to see your current file. If you want to see your full records click here.

We will arrange for you to see your information as soon as possible within 40 days. You will be able to see the files at the office closest to you, at a convenient time. You can bring a friend or interpreter with you. A member of staff will meet you. Whenever possible, this will be somebody you know.

You can have photocopies of any documents. If you think any information is wrong you can ask us to correct them. We will tell you what we will do, in writing within 21 days.

If you, or the person asking to see the information, are over 18, we ask for a fee of £10. In some circumstances, we may not charge. You can discuss this with the person arranging for you to see your records.

What you can see

You have a right to see most of the personal information we keep about you. You can expect:

• that the information we hold is accurate, up to date and relevant
• that we will keep your information confidential
• that we will share your records with you, and encourage you to sign them
• that we will do all we can to make records available to you in formats that help you to understand them eg in another language, large print or audio tape
• to receive copies of your assessment, care plan and review of your circumstances.

What you cannot see

You will not be able to see information about members of your family or other people. It may not be possible to see information which an individual health professional or another agency gives us in confidence if the information identifies them as the source, unless they agree that we can release the information. However, if you ask to see the information, we will ask them if they will give their permission.

You will not be able to see information if:

• there are legal restrictions preventing us from releasing it. We will tell you that the information exists and why we cannot let you see it.
• we believe that showing you it would seriously harm your, or someone else's, mental or physical health.
• revealing the information would damage a criminal investigation.

What to do if you are not happy

If you are not happy about the decisions we have made about access to information or about correcting records, you should write within 28 days to:

The Director of Social Services
Buckinghamshire County Council
County Hall, Aylesbury HP20 1YU

We can arrange for you to appeal to a panel of county councillors. You can also appeal to the Information Commissioner on 01625 545 745.