DATA PROTECTION
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE.

1. Purpose

This policy replaces all previous versions of this policy.

At HM3 Legal  we are committed to protecting personal data and respecting the privacy rights of those whose information we process.

This procedure explains how clients, former clients, prospective clients, website users, suppliers, business contacts and other members of the public can make a complaint about our handling of their personal data.

This procedure has been adopted to comply with UK data protection legislation, including the requirements introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, which requires organisations to have a process for handling data protection complaints.

2. Who Can Use This Procedure?

This procedure is available to:

  • Current and former clients.
  • Prospective clients.
  • Witnesses and third parties involved in legal matters.
  • Website users.
  • Suppliers and contractors.
  • Business contacts.
  • Any other individual whose personal data is processed by the firm.

This procedure does not apply to complaints made by employees, workers, partners or consultants regarding employment-related matters, which are dealt with under separate internal procedures.

3. What is a Data Protection Complaint?

A data protection complaint is any concern or expression of dissatisfaction about the way we have collected, used, stored, shared, protected or otherwise handled personal data. Examples include concerns about:

  • The use of your personal information.
  • The accuracy of your information.
  • Disclosure of information to third parties.
  • Information security or confidentiality.
  • Marketing communications.
  • The handling of a subject access request or another data protection right.
  • Data retention or deletion practices.
  • Any suspected breach of data protection law.

You do not need to refer to data protection legislation or use any specific wording for your concern to be treated as a data protection complaint

4. How to Make a Complaint

Our Data Protection Officer is Mr Paul Beckett. You may contact him using any of the following methods:

Email: pb@law.uk.com

Post: FAO Mr Paul Beckett

Data Protection Officer

HM3 Legal Services Limited

Gorse Stacks House, George Street

Chester

CH1 3EQ

Phone: 01244 318131

If you require assistance in making a complaint, please let us know and we will provide reasonable support.

5. What Information Should You Provide?

To help us investigate your complaint, please provide:

  • Your name and contact details.
  • Details of your concern.
  • Relevant dates.
  • Names of any individuals involved (if known).
  • Copies of any relevant correspondence or documents.
  • The outcome you are seeking.

Providing this information is helpful but not mandatory.

6. What Happens Next?

Acknowledgement

We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 calendar days of receiving it. Our acknowledgement may:

  • Confirm receipt of your complaint.
  • Provide a reference number.
  • Request further information if required.
  • Identify the person responsible for investigating the complaint.

Investigation

We will investigate your concerns fairly and objectively. This may involve:

  • Reviewing relevant records and correspondence.
  • Speaking with members of staff involved.
  • Considering applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Taking specialist advice where appropriate.

We will take appropriate steps to investigate your complaint without undue delay and keep you informed of progress where necessary.

7. Outcome of Your Complaint

Once our investigation is complete, we will write to you setting out:

  • Our findings.
  • Any action taken or proposed.
  • Any steps taken to address issues identified.
  • Information about your right to escalate the matter.

Depending on the circumstances, we may:

  • Explain our position and findings.
  • Correct inaccurate information.
  • Restrict or delete personal data where appropriate.
  • Improve our procedures or controls.
  • Implement additional staff training.
  • Take other remedial action.

8. If You Remain Dissatisfied

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may raise the matter with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority responsible for upholding information rights.

Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: www.ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

The ICO generally expects concerns to be raised with the organisation first before it becomes involved.

9. Confidentiality

We will handle all complaints confidentially and only share information with those who need access to investigate and resolve the matter.

Any personal data processed during the complaint investigation will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and our Privacy Notice.

10. Record Keeping

We maintain records of data protection complaints to:

  • Demonstrate compliance with legal obligations.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of our complaint handling process.
  • Identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Respond to regulatory enquiries where required.
  • Complaint records will be retained in accordance with our data retention policies.

Contact Details

Data Protection Officer / Compliance Team

HM3 Legal Services Limited

Gorse Stacks House, George Street

Chester CH1 3EQ

Email: Hello@HM3Legal.co.uk

Phone: 01244 318131


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