Subject Access Requests (SARs) from Staff: Real-World Challenges and How to Respond

After one of our most listened-to episodes ever, we’re back with Part Two of our deep dive into employee and ex-employee Subject Access Requests (SARs) — focusing on the more complex, sensitive, and high-risk cases organisations face.

In this follow-up session of the Data Protection Made Easy Podcast, our expert hosts will tackle a new wave of questions and scenarios that dig beneath the surface of SAR handling in the workplace.

From workplace disputes to risk of over-disclosure, the stakes are higher when SARs come from current or former staff. This session will give you the tools, knowledge, and real-world examples you need to handle them with care, confidence, and compliance.

What You’ll Learn

• Key reasons why employees or former staff submit SARs — and the underlying motivations
• When a response is legally required, and how to confidently apply exemptions
• How to manage repeated, excessive or high-volume SARs without burning out your team
• How to avoid accidental over-disclosure of internal data or staff emails
• Tips for preparing in advance — including internal SAR protocols and staff training
• Common mistakes to avoid, including poor internal communication and misapplying exemptions
• When to escalate — and how to handle reputational or legal risk

This episode is packed with practical examples drawn from real cases involving grievances, disciplinaries and internal investigations — plus expert advice on how to protect both employee rights and business integrity.

Meet the Panel

Philip Brining – Managing Director at Data Protection People and a leading authority in UK data protection compliance.

Catarina Santos – Legal and data protection expert with a focus on practical compliance for complex organisations.

Caine Glancy – Known for making data protection practical and accessible, especially around people-based processes.

Nia Roberts – A returning guest bringing invaluable insight from the frontline of HR and legal operations.

Join the Live Session

This live session takes place on Friday 13th June 2025 via Microsoft Teams and is completely free to attend.

All are welcome — whether you’re in HR, legal, IT, compliance or just want to learn more about handling SARs confidently.

• To Subscribe: Email [email protected] to be added to our podcast list. You’ll get invites to future episodes, resources, and more.
• To Join This Episode Only: Just email us and we’ll send a one-time invite — no ongoing commitment

Catch Up or Share

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry — every episode is recorded and available across all major platforms. You can listen back at your convenience.

Catch up on Spotify – Data Protection Made Easy Podcast

Feel free to share this invite with colleagues or contacts who may benefit — we’re here to support the whole data protection community.

About Data Protection Made Easy

Data Protection Made Easy is the UK’s top-rated podcast on all things data protection. With thousands of listeners and over 50,000 Spotify streams, it’s the go-to resource for clear, honest, and practical insight.

All sessions are hosted by consultants from Data Protection People — a team of experts working on the ground to make compliance simpler and more human. No jargon, no sales pitch — just valuable advice you can trust.

Need More Help?

If you have questions or would like to speak to someone about SARs or other data protection challenges, get in touch — our team is always happy to help.

We look forward to seeing you at the session!