Advice Services Approach to Appeals Work

Following on from the discussion in the ’ radical approach in Scotland ’ thread it may be worth exploring how Services/Agencies are managing their appeals.
I think that we are all aware that supply is outstripping demand and the phrase ’ services to those most in need ’ but how do you manage to give a fair/equitable service.
In Stockton we have had to bring in a number of measures.
1 ) We do not have capacity to represent if the client has a hearing date in the 6 weeks following contact from ourselves . We will advise on what needs to be done.
2 ) We look at all other Appeal Papers and consider what assistance we can give.
3 ) If we feel that the appeal will not succeed we tell the client and give the reasons why. We do not discourage the client from not attending as getting a ’ strange decision ’ from time to time is not unknowm.
4 ) ESA Support Group we will do a written submission unless the client has a mental health problem.
5 ) Other appeals where the client has a reasonable understanding of what will happen and is confident enough to attend on their own we will do a written submission.
6 ) All other appeals repped ( although the person repping may not be the allocated caseworker as it makes no sense to have several workers at the Tribunal Venue if the hearings are at different times).

We currently have a success rate of 76%.

Hi just wondered why you do not do a written submission for mental health? and
Is your success rate for all claimants who come to you or only those that you felt had a chance?
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!