PIP Telephone Assessment Recording Enquiry

Hello,

I'm currently waiting to hear about having a telephone assessment for my PIP Review.
My PIP forms & evidence were received by the dwp 16 weeks ago. I've telephoned them twice during that time & was informed in the last call, I would be having a telephone assessment & will be contacted.
May I just clarify please... When I am contacted, can I legally request the telephone assessment to be recorded? (by them).. If the person states no, we can't do that...do I insist that they are mistaken & they can indeed record these assessments? I worry about this outcome, as insisting in these circumstances, I feel would immediately irritate the assessor (isn't it awful that we have to worry about annoying them, because it could potentially result in them marking you down in points)

Also, about recording the assessment myself (for my own personal use)... If I use the speakerphone for the assessment & record it using my ipad voice memos, would that be OK? I've been testing it out & it gives a good recording. It will also record for as long as you have the storage available on the ipad.
I've read many comments online from people who very much regret not recording their assessments (whether that be the face to face, or the telephone assessments)

I'm so stressed out about this, as everyone here is stressed about these assessments... I also thought, what if the assessor, during the telephone assessment, asks why I'm using my speakerphone & was I recording the call? If I say yes, can they just end the assessment? I don't trust them to record the assessment, even if they say they will ...... My recording would be a backup.

Am so sorry to have rambled on. Any advice would be so appreciated.
Thank you

Hi LucyPosy68,
1] I totally share your distrust
2] If I was asked why I had the phone on speaker I would quite truthfully say it makes it easier to have the conversation while referring to my notes. Also in my case I get bad elbow ache after a few minutes due to my joint problems if I hold the receiver up to my ear.
3] I sooo agree it is awful how they cause us to fear getting treated unfairly if we should DARE stick up for our rights!
Kind regards, Denby

Thanks for your response Denby
Yes, I can see about having the phone on loudspeaker...and how vital that it is for you. Being hands free to deal with papers, copy of pip form, etc, whilst talking with the assessor is a good plan. I don't often use loudspeaker, but in this case, I will.
I just hope I hear soon when the telephone assessment will be, as the waiting & worrying is so stressful.
Take care

Hi Lucy,

They don't really have any right to query why you have your phone set on speaker.

I thought it was the norm as I always have mine on speaker mode, unless it's really, really private, and then I hate holding the phone to my ear as I have a tendency to catch something and to accidentally end the call.

Regards,

Phrank.

Just wanted to update my original post. I received a text today & my telephone assessment is in 2 weeks time.