The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a new update on the rules surrounding audio recordings at health assessments, clarifying how recordings are used and what happens if an assessment report contains errors.
In June, the DWP confirmed that from June 29, all telephone and face-to-face appointments would be audio-recorded. Officials said the measure was introduced to maintain an accurate record of each person's assessment. Questions have since been raised about how these recordings will be used in cases where the DWP makes an error.
MP raises concerns over report accuracy
The issue came to the fore after Lib Dem MP Chris Coghlan questioned the DWP "whether a procedure exists for correcting, amending or annotating a health assessment report where an audio recording shows that it does not accurately reflect what occurred, separate from any mandatory reconsideration or appeal of the benefit decision."
Government guidelines published when audio recordings were introduced in June state that a claimant is entitled to request a copy of a recording. This can be done either during the assessment itself or by telephoning a number detailed on the appointment letter.
Minister responds with update
The DWP has now released a Parliamentary update in response to the MP's enquiry. In a reply published on Monday, Sir Stephen Timms, minister of state at the DWP, said: "Telephone and face-to-face health assessments are audio recorded as standard, unless the claimant chooses to opt out. The recording provides an accurate record of the assessment."
"The assessment report completed by the assessment supplier's health professional provides advice to the department and is considered alongside any supporting evidence when determining a claimant's entitlement to benefit by DWP."
"Suppliers have established processes for investigating complaints, including the facility to listen to audio recordings if available."
"If concerns are identified regarding the quality or accuracy of an assessment report, the assessment supplier will investigate the matter and, where deficiencies are found, apologise and advise DWP if the issue may have had an impact on the advice provided or on the entitlement decision."
Recording retention and access
Government guidance states that the department will typically retain recordings for two years, after which they will be 'securely deleted'. They may be held for longer in certain circumstances, such as when a dispute arises.
The DWP states that recordings are "only used when needed", with officials emphasising that all recordings are stored securely in accordance with data protection legislation. For more about getting hold of an audio recording, visit the government web page on the topic.
