Ask my employer Write my request

Asking for your data during a grievance

A grievance creates records about you: notes, witness statements, emails and an outcome report. You can ask for them alongside the grievance itself.

Two separate processes

Your data request runs separately from the grievance. The grievance doesn't pause the deadline for your request, and your request doesn't delay the grievance. The Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures sets out how a grievance should be investigated and heard.

What to ask for

  • Notes of grievance meetings and investigation interviews
  • Witness statements that mention you
  • The investigation report and outcome letter
  • Emails and chat messages about your grievance, including between managers and HR

Witness statements

Statements usually contain other people's information. Your employer can black out details that identify a witness unless they agree, or it's reasonable to share them. What's said about you is still your data, so you'll often get the substance with names removed.

What else can be held back

  • Communications between your employer and its lawyers are covered by legal privilege and don't have to be disclosed.
  • Records of your employer's intentions in negotiations with you, such as settlement talks, can be held back while sharing them would harm those negotiations.

What to put in your request

  • Grievance meeting notes
  • Investigation interview notes
  • Witness statements about you
  • The investigation report
  • Emails between managers and HR about your grievance
Write my request

Related guides

Why parts of your reply are blacked outUsing a data request in a dispute with your employerAsking for your data before or after a disciplinary

Sources: UK GDPR Article 15; Data Protection Act 2018, Schedule 2; Data (Use and Access) Act 2025; Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures; ICO guidance on the right of access. Last reviewed 7 October 2026. General information about UK data protection law, not legal advice. If you're in a dispute with your employer, speak to a solicitor, your union or Acas.