Recording work capability assessments - false economy blog

Very interesting blog from False Economy with respect to the ability, or otherwise, of ESA claimants to record their work capability assessments (WCA).

Noting that increasing numbers of people do want to make an audio-recording of their WCA due to concerns over the quality of evidence, they highlight that Chris Grayling appeared to concede that people could make such requests on February 1:

     “On audio recording - we will offer everyone who wants it the opportunity to have their session recorded. We decided not to implement universal recording because, based on the trial experience, people did not want it. Few people wanted their sessions recorded, and some said that they definitely did not. We decided therefore to offer recording as an option to those who want it. That seems entirely sensible.”

Despite this apparent pledge, they report that many people still struggle to obtain such recordings. So False Economy approached DWP for their official guidance and for clear instructions on the steps that people can take if they are told that official recording equipment isn’t available.

Despite an exchange of correspondence over the past week and more, they haven’t been able to secure any clarification on the following:

* if Atos recording equipment is broken/not available, are people permitted to bring their own equipment? and
* if Atos recording equipment is broken/not available, can people ask to reschedule their assessment until equipment is available, without having their application affected?

They also asked if it was possible for people to take video recordings as well as audio recordings. In the meantime, they are asking for people to share their experiences on this issue.

For the full blog, see Trying to record Atos work capability assessments

The DWP’s advice to Healthcare Professionals on recording of assessments is set out in the latest edition of the WCA Handbook http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wca-handbook.pdf  at paragraph 4.1.3. (page 129 ff).