Assessors and integral two-way communication

Thankyou for your insight.

Does the interview process follow the same order as the PIP questions/questionnaire. Specifically, what I'm wondering about, is it possible for the individual being assessed to definitively identify the area/question being covered at any time - or are all the enquiries very obtuse and tangential in nature.

Where I'm coming from with this question, is that if an assessor is required to accurately enter the information as provided by the individual being assessed and it's also clear what question/area any particular enquiries are being covered at any time - then I'm not following how it is so often reported that assessors didn't enter true and accurate information into the computer.

Is there a guide with all the actual questions that the computer system asks and the order they are asked in. I did see an instructors manual, but it didn't seem to contain this information.

For what it's worth, my assessment did roughly follow the order of the PIP claim form until we got to the mobility section which, for some reason only known to the assessor, we didn't talk about. With hindsight I should have queried this at the time but hey ho. The assessor was very much in charge of my assessment, ignoring comments she, seemingly, wasn't interested in and focusing on elements that I deemed inappropriate.

I agree with your initial statement that an assessment should be a two way exchange of information between claimant and assessor with both parties given the chance to explain their position with the goal of coming to an outcome that both understand. I also believe that the report should be reviewed by the claimant at the assessment so that any untruths and incorrect observations or misunderstandings do not form part of the report. Unfortunately my assessment was very much a one way process led by the assessor. I do not intend to make the same mistakes again.

If you can be assertive but not arrogant and make sure you say all that you need/want to say. Easier said then done I know. Good luck.

PhilB wrote: Unfortunately my assessment was very much a one way process led by the assessor. I do not intend to make the same mistakes again.

If you can be assertive but not arrogant and make sure you say all that you need/want to say. Easier said then done I know. Good luck.

Thankyou for your response. What you describe sounds most inappropriate on behalf of the assessor. What d'you feel can be said at the time if such a thing is happening, without it being deemed that one is being uncooperative.

btw, if okay to ask, what was the result of your assessment/claim.

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for what you are saying to be written down. Of course if the assessor doesn't show you what they have written at the end you have no way of knowing whether they will.

The DWP's own guidance notes for Health Professionals state:

"Prior to concluding face-to-face consultations, HPs should give claimants an overview of the findings they have taken from the consultation. Claimants should be invited to clarify any points, ask any questions they have about the assessment procedure and if there is anything else they would like to say before they leave. The HP should answer any issues or concerns they express."

If the above doesn't happen make sure it does and make sure you get your points across. Perhaps take a check list of points that you want recorded or at least talked about.Tick them off as you go.

My decision was standard rate for both care and mobility. I have appealed the decision for mobility and am currently awaiting an appeal date.