Using 2 tape recorders at F2F

Hi.
I searched 'recording' but nothing about this query comes up.
I've read what IAS say about recording the F2F, and it says to provide 2 identical recordings.
Now, I've read elsewhere that using 2, cheap, hand held cassette recorders is allowed, because the recordings would be identical.
As we all know, buying a twin cassette or CD recorder is out of the question financially.
Anyone know anything about this?
Thanks.
Paul

Hi, Paul,

I had a PIP review back in June and recorded my assessment with IAS's permission.

However, please don't think this will make you immune to be given a misleading report by the assessor. I went from lower daily living to zero points.

Also, what actually happens to the recording you give to the IAS assessor is unclear. When I phoned the DWP after around 16 imes with no joy at all I was finally handed over to a case manager.

I spent around 45 minutes arguing my case and asking for the tape to be lIstened to as way of proof, I was told that the tape is never sent on to the DWP.

So my guess is IAS file the tapes somewhere just in case.

At least if you do record the interview, you have a copy for yourself should you need it.

Good luck.

phrank wrote: Hi, Paul,

I went from lower daily living to zero points.

That should have read 'lower daily living and enhanced mobility' to zero points.

Thank you once again, Gordon.
I've got an old Olympus S701 microcassette dictaphone that still works fine.
Sound quality is spot on.
So last night, I searched on ebay and there's loads of similar models, although I got the same model for about £15.
Phrank,
That sounds a bit of a nightmare.
I would think the recording will come in handy further down the line at appeals perhaps? Quoting from it if you think they reported something 'not quite right'.
They sign to say they have a copy so it would be up to them to dig it out if they disagree - I think.
Anyway, fingers crossed for when the big day comes.
Thanks again,
Paul

Hi everyone,

I recorded my PIP review f2f with IAS 6 weeks ago. They weren't overly helpful in the process and my assessor wouldn't let me plug in to the mains electricity saying that a 'PAT test' would be needed, which is not mentioned at all on the IAS/DWP's websites as far as I can see, so maybe this was just an obstacle they are using to prevent recording. Fortunately I had 2 brand new packs of batteries just in case, so it's worth bearing this in mind.

Also, I didn't get a copy of the recording consent form and my head was far too fuzzy to realise at the time. I have no idea what I signed to as I couldn't take in what it said and even though the assessor read it out to me I still can't remember what was on the form, so if you want a copy for your records remember to ask for one.

My PA4 is still highly inaccurate despite having it recorded but I am so glad I have it as I can challenge the 'inaccuracies' (lies) with confidence, and also there are things which happened in the assessment which I never would have noticed - for instance he changed the order of the questions so I wasn't asked about my diagnoses and symptoms until the end, which was weird and put me at a disadvantage in some ways - how could he write a proper 'Functional History' if he didn't understand my symptoms?!

Another thing to bear in mind is they may also repeatedly cut and paste into the report that you 'read and understood the form, were seen holding a pen and you were able to sign your name' etc. etc. as he did in my report (even though I didn't read it and even though pinch-grip is not relevant to my conditions). In my opinion it's still a good thing to get f2f recorded - I will be recording them all from now on!

Best wishes to all

PS: I bought 2 new Bush cassette recorders from Argos for mine, audio quality was adequate but not fantastic. I also used 120 min cassettes - the f2f was 98 minutes so shorter tapes would not have been long enough.