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ATOS assessment - audio recording (PIP) support

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7 years 6 months ago #169183 by BenefitsBod
I have a PIP face-to-face PIP assessment next week (Oct). In the PIP2, I specifically asked that the assessment be audio recorded. When speaking with ATOS this morning, the officer made it crystal clear that any such recording can only be done if:

1) the equipment is provided by myself (the claimant), and
2) the equipment is capable of making dual recordings, and
3) one of the recordings is left with ATOS at the time, and
4) the HCA agrees to the recording, and
5) I sign some form of (unspecified) waiver.

If the above is correct, that means for all practical purposes, 99% of claimants cannot actually get the assessment recorded. It seems to me this is deliberate. Any suggestions?

Leading on from the above, I desperately need someone to accompany me to the assessment - especially if it cannot be recorded. Does anyone have any ideas as to which organisations, whether or not charities, offer such a service? Friends are not an option for a number of reasons, not least of which it would be deeply upsetting for them to know exactly how dark my state of mind is. In the context of the latter, the NHS is a non-starter. Their conduct has been appalling and a complaint is currently with the Ombudsman (for the second time).

Please help if you can.

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7 years 6 months ago #169237 by Gordon
Kevin

Yes it is correct although I disagree with (5).

You can make the recording with two cassette or CD recorders, the former can be picked up quite cheaply on some of the online stores.

As to someone going with you, try any Welfare Rights offices, do an internet search for "welfare rights" with you postcode, town or count. your GP surgery should have a list of local voluntary organisations in your areas, lastly try contacting any of the charities that support your conditions.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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7 years 6 months ago #169304 by Louisa

Kevin wrote: 4) the HCA agrees to the recording, and


Who is the HCA and what does this mean in practice.

Is this something to be agreed upon in advance, or on the day.

I'm not following how a 'right' can be subject to an arbitrary approval.

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7 years 6 months ago #169308 by Gordon

Louisa wrote: Who is the HCA and what does this mean in practice.

Is this something to be agreed upon in advance, or on the day.

I'm not following how a 'right' can be subject to an arbitrary approval.


The HCA is the assessor, agreement needs to have been made in advance in writing.

I am afraid claimants have no legal right to require their assessment is recorded.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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7 years 6 months ago #169326 by Bearer
Can an individual Health Care Professional/Assessor refuse to allow the recording on the day, when the claimant has sent in the signed agreement regarding recording, and brought all the correct equipmenrt?

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7 years 6 months ago #169340 by Gordon

Bearer wrote: Can an individual Health Care Professional/Assessor refuse to allow the recording on the day, when the claimant has sent in the signed agreement regarding recording, and brought all the correct equipmenrt?


It's not impossible although I have never seen it happen, the Assessment Provider would have to make reasonable efforts to find another one, but the bottom line is that the DWP would not accept this as Good Cause for your then failing to attend.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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