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<p>a) To ensure that the outcome of assessments conducted by his Department on people
seeking to claim employment and support allowance are correct</p><p> </p><p>With regard
to the actual Work Capability Assessment (WCA), the Department robustly monitors the
performance of the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA). They are independently
audited to ensure that the advice provided to the Department’s decision makers is
of suitable quality, fully explained, and justified. Assessment reports deemed unacceptable
are returned to CHDA for reworking. The Department continues to work extensively with
the assessment provider to make improvements to guidance, training and audit procedures
in order to ensure that a quality service is maintained. All healthcare professionals
delivering assessments for CHDA complete rigorous training before they are allowed
to undertake WCAs. The healthcare professionals employed by CHDA are required to complete
the agreed elements of Continuing Medical Education, as set out in the contract each
year. CHDA undertake continuous review and audit of all healthcare professionals,
with clinical mentoring available as required.</p><p> </p><p>b) To reduce the number
of decisions based on such assessments which are overturned on appeal.</p><p> </p><p>Any
claimant wishing to dispute a decision made based on their assessment is entitled
to do so.</p><p> </p><p>The first stage of which is for the Department to conduct
a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) whereby a different decision maker undertakes a full
review of the case and considers any additional evidence provided. The Department
undertakes this review in an attempt to ensure before appeal that our decision is
as robust and accurate as possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, should the decision remain
the same and the claimant still disagree, they can submit an appeal directly with
Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).</p><p> </p><p>The Department now
has Presenting Officers attending 50% of all ESA Appeals at HMCTS ensuring that where
the Department believes the decision to be robust and accurate, we are adequately
represented. This also enables us to gather significant feedback that will inform
the quality of our decision making going forward.</p>
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