Requesting Data

Missgelfling

Hi, I've had no end of problems when it comes to dealing with the CSA - whenever I call them, I get told different information and they never have any notes on the system regarding my case, I don't have a caseworker and haven't had one since December last year. I have requested my data, purely because I want to know exactly what they have been doing for the past year and to get info for my 3rd complaint letter, but I wanted to know if you also get your phone calls too? Just feel like I am being made to feel somewhat crazy - someone tells me one thing and when I speak to another I am told this is wrong! I get alot of 'I don't know why you were told this' when I ring for updates etc. I've a feeling that written data won't give me much as no-one ever writes any notes!
Has anyone received data and what action did you take?
Thanks

Zara33

You can request all the data held, which includes phone calls make sure you request it all.

ETA: Templates letters available here if required: http://www.nacsa.co.uk/letters.html

bdt1

As per the Data Protection Act, you must put in writing your request for ALL personal information the CSA hold relating to your case, to include telephone transcripts, manual, computer files etc, there is a template letter, others will advise as I cannot remember who provides it it may be NACSA?

Legally the CSA then have 40 days to provide all of this information- send your request recorded delivery though!

In my experience the Data Protection file received from CSA is the only point whereby we understood the mistakes made in our case, but our file was incomplete, we knew there were other documents they have but had not sent us in the fle, so beware, we are now nearly 9 months later than the legal 40 day deadline and still do not have all of ou personal informatiom - we have involved the ICO twice who are again looking into this on our behalf, but as I believe the CSA do not provide transcripts or recordings of phone calls, so it will be your word against theirs as to the precise nature of your exact conversation.

Please apply for the Data Protection File though and if you do not receive within the( CSA said target to us) , but actually it is a 40 day legal requirement, then apply for financial redress on the grounds of maladministration.

Good luck

pd001

bdt1 wrote: »

s I believe the CSA do not provide transcripts or recordings of phone calls, so it will be your word against theirs as to the precise nature of your exact conversation.
Good luck

Another very good reason to NEVER deal with them on the phone.

Blob

Sorry to say it will take longer than the 40 days due to the number of people that are asking for these, at least that is their story!

As for the different people on the phone that say different things, you might like to ask them which course they went on as they all seem to give different answers to the same question, and ask them to log the question! Make a note of the date as to when you have asked this question as I doubt that you will get an answer to it, as well as the name of the person that you asked, then write in to complain. Work with me here they dont like this one bit! Puts them on the back foot so as to speek!

blimey40

80 days and counting.

Still no sign of them

frugallass

Blob wrote: »

Sorry to say it will take longer than the 40 days due to the number of people that are asking for these, at least that is their story!

As for the different people on the phone that say different things, you might like to ask them which course they went on as they all seem to give different answers to the same question, and ask them to log the question! Make a note of the date as to when you have asked this question as I doubt that you will get an answer to it, as well as the name of the person that you asked, then write in to complain. Work with me here they dont like this one bit! Puts them on the back foot so as to speek!

totally agree with this one - if you ring them, ask them to make a record of the phone call, get their name / team etc....don't be intimidated by these people - keep a thorough log of any phone calls but try to do as much as you can in writing

blimey40

Got them eventually after 2-3 months. It is definitely an eye opener especially when it confirms what you have been saying all along.

Blob

Now make a complaint and tell them you are taking it to ICE. You should get compensation for this as maladmin, only about £25 but it is better in your bank than theirs.