When a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) arrives, time is critical. Under the UK GDPR, organisations have just one month to respond, and a poorly handled request can quickly escalate into a complaint, investigation or even litigation.
At Prettys Solicitors, we provide specialist DSAR response services to help you act fast, manage the legal risk, and maintain compliance – without derailing your internal teams.
What is a DSAR?
A Data Subject Access Request allows an individual to ask for:
- Confirmation that their data is being processed
- Access to their personal data
- Information on how and why their data is used
- Details of third parties with whom it has been shared
While simple in concept, DSARs are often complex in practice – involving large data volumes, sensitive content, and strict legal rules around exemptions and redactions.
The challenges of handling DSARs
DSARs are rarely straightforward. Many arrive following workplace disputes, grievances or litigation, requiring careful legal and technical handling.
Common challenges include:
- Tight one month response deadlines (and risk of ICO action for delay)
- Identifying and collating data across multiple systems
- Applying exemptions correctly to avoid data breaches
- Redacting third-party information
- Managing repeated or vexatious requests
Left unmanaged, DSARs can consume significant time and resource – distracting HR, IT and compliance teams from core business functions.
Why outsource your DSARs to Prettys
Outsourcing DSARs to our data protection specialists provides speed, accuracy and protection. We take the pressure off your teams, ensuring every request is handled efficiently and defensibly.
1. We understand the urgency
We recognise that most organisations come to us because they’ve just received a DSAR. Our team can mobilise immediately to assess the request, plan the response and ensure the one month deadline is met.
2. We manage the complexity
From identifying relevant data sources to applying exemptions under the UK GDPR, we handle the full process. Our experts combine legal knowledge with technical skill to deliver precise, compliant results.
3. We use secure, advanced technology
We deploy specialist document management and redaction software to streamline searches, automate uploads and ensure sensitive data is protected. Our systems allow secure sharing and efficient review, saving hours of manual work.
4. We reduce hidden in-house costs
Handling DSARs internally often diverts senior HR, legal and IT staff for weeks. Our fixed-fee or scoped support options are more cost-effective and allow your team to stay focused on their core roles. Our data protection lawyers are specialists in their field and have been advising on data protection issues for many years and Matthew Cole holds the CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional Europe) qualification.
5. We bring legal privilege and strategic insight
As a law firm, our advice is legally privileged where applicable. We not only ensure compliance but also help mitigate reputational and regulatory risk if a DSAR becomes part of a wider dispute.
Our DSAR services
We provide tailored solutions depending on your organisation’s needs and the volume of requests.
- Process design and training: Helping organisations implement repeatable DSAR workflows and train staff to recognise and manage requests.
- DSAR assessment and triage: Determining the scope, legitimacy and complexity of each request.
- Data identification and collection: Coordinating with HR, IT and operations to locate all relevant records.
- Legal review and redaction: Applying exemptions lawfully and using secure redaction tools to protect third-party or confidential data.
- Response preparation: Drafting compliant, clear responses for submission within statutory deadlines.
- Regulatory liaison: Managing ICO correspondence where required.
DSAR management
For organisations facing large numbers of DSARs – for example, in the healthcare, education or care sectors – we offer scalable support.
We can:
- Implement structured systems to handle multiple DSARs simultaneously
- Support bulk document review and redaction
- Help build long-term frameworks for managing high-volume data access requests efficiently and consistently
Sector-specific assistance
The way DSARs are managed can vary significantly depending on the sector in which your organisation operates. Our specialists have in-depth experience and knowledge across a wide range of regulated industries, including:
- Medical and healthcare – managing sensitive patient data and clinical information requests.
- Foreign currency and financial services – ensuring compliant disclosure within FCA and AML frameworks.
- Education – supporting schools, academies and universities in responding to student and parent requests.
- Charities and public sector – balancing transparency with confidentiality obligations.
Employment law expertise
Many DSARs arise from internal grievances, disciplinary matters or tribunal claims. Our specialists combine data protection and employment law expertise, providing clear, practical support on:
- Employee DSARs and workplace investigations
- Applying exemptions to protect confidential HR and third-party data
- Coordinating HR, IT and legal teams to ensure consistent, compliant responses
Need urgent DSAR support?
If you’ve received a Data Subject Access Request, time is limited. Our Data Protection team can start working with you immediately to review, plan and manage the process – ensuring full compliance and minimal disruption. You can call us today on 01473 232121 or email the team at dataprotection@prettys.co.uk for a confidential discussion.
You can find a link to our full range of data protection services here.
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