How we support you

How we support you through the Subject Access Request process

When a Subject Access Request (SAR) is received, speed, structure and judgement matter. Data Access Office provides calm, end-to-end support for individuals and organisations navigating the process, ensuring every step is handled lawfully, proportionately and within statutory timeframes. Each case is led by a qualified Data Protection Officer (DPO) who acts as your named point of contact, guiding you, explaining options, and holding your hand through what can otherwise feel like an uncertain and high-risk process.

From receipt of the request, we take control. We draft and manage all correspondence, coordinate the secure collation and upload of documents into our online case management system, and carry out an initial review to assess scope, complexity and proportionality.

Where requests are broad or unclear, we advise on lawful refinements and exemptions, including:

pausing the statutory response clock where appropriate
assessing whether an extension is justified
applying “manifestly excessive or unfounded” provisions when time and resource thresholds are met.

Communication with the requestor is managed professionally and transparently throught the process, via youc and our case management app, protecting relationships and reputations.

Once the scope is confirmed, we support the SAR in full. This includes detailed document review, lawful redaction, preparation of the response pack, and final delivery — all tracked within our case management system so you retain visibility, audit trails and confidence at every stage.

The result is a compliant, defensible outcome with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations. And, most importantly, a process that feels controlled, supported and complete.

The process of what happens when a Subject Access Request is received

Request receivedWe draft and manage the initial response, acknowledging receipt and setting the process in motion.

Secure document collation
Relevant data is identified, collated, and securely uploaded into our online case management system.

Expert review & scope assessment
A qualified Data Protection Officer (DPO) reviews the materials and advises on scope, exemptions, or refinement.

Lawful refinement & time management
Where appropriate, requests are refined — pausing the statutory clock — and extensions or exemptions are assessed.

Redaction & response preparation
Documents are reviewed, lawfully redacted, and prepared into a compliant response pack.

Final delivery
The SAR is issued on your behalf with full audit trails.
✔ Deadline met
✔ Risk reduced
✔ Client reassured 😊

Nervous about when an SAR Lands?
A Calm guide — from start to finish

When a Subject Access Request lands, the first concern is usually “What do I do now?”.

Data Access Office removes that uncertainty. From day one, you are supported by a qualified Data Protection Officer who explains the process in clear terms and manages the response on your behalf.

We take care of drafting responses, gathering information, reviewing documents, and communicating professionally with the requestor. If a request is unclear, overly broad, or disproportionate, we advise on lawful refinement — including pausing the response deadline where permitted, assessing extensions, or applying exemptions when appropriate. You are never left guessing what is happening or why.

Everything is managed through our secure online case management system, giving you visibility, structure, and reassurance throughout. By the time the SAR is delivered, you know it has been handled carefully, compliantly, and defensibly — without stress, disruption, or last-minute surprises.

Qualified Data Protection Officers. Human Support. Total Control.

Every Subject Access Request handled by Data Access Office is led by a qualified Data Protection Officer. This isn’t a ticketing system or a faceless process — it’s a named expert who understands regulation, proportionality, and real-world operational pressures.

Your DPO assesses the request, advises on lawful scope, exemptions and extensions, and ensures decisions are defensible under regulatory scrutiny. They coordinate secure document handling, oversee redaction, manage communications, and guide you step-by-step — translating legal requirements into practical actions your organisation can confidently stand behind.

All activity is tracked within our online case management system, providing full audit trails, clear timelines, and shared visibility for your team. The result is compliance without disruption, confidence without complexity, and a SAR process that feels controlled rather than reactive.