Claimants now have the right to audio record their work capability assessment for universal credit (UC) or employment and support allowance (ESA) using their phone or other device, the latest DWP official guidance makes clear.

The most recent edition of the DWP’s guidance for healthcare professionals carrying out WCAs, the “WCA Handbook”, makes it clear that claimants have the right to audio record their assessment using any device they choose, including their phone.  This brings the WCA into line with PIP assessments.

Previously, whilst claimants could record their PIP assessment on any device, WCAs could only be recorded by the claimant if they had expensive dual recording equipment which provided both the claimant and the DWP with a copy of the recording. 

The only other alternative was to ask the assessment provider to record the session, but this often meant delays and the recording device simply not being available on the day, leaving the claimant to choose between another lengthy postponement or going ahead without a recording.

Now, claimants simply need to inform the assessment provider in advance that they intend to audio record their assessment.  The assessment provider is then likely to make their own recording of the assessment as well.

Video recordings of assessments are not allowed.

Claimants can still also ask the assessment provider to make an audio recording of a face-to-face or telephone assessment.  The DWP say that providers are not able to audio record video assessments.

We have updated our members guide, “ESA and UC Claims for Physical, Mental Health and Learning Difficulties: a guide to the work capability assessment” to take account of the changes.

You can download the WCA Handbook from this link

(Thanks to Carri on the Rightsnet forum for spotting this).

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Rosie · 6 days ago
    I had a WCA for EESA recorded (they provided a dual tape machine) in 2018. It took me eight hours in total over a few days, but I transcribed every single word of the 105 minute assessment so I had a paper copy to refer to. It was invaluable as I was able to show multiple serious inaccuracies in the assessor's report and several downright lies. I had to wait over 12 months for a tribunal that when I turned up, the judges had decided in my favour without even calling me in (except to hear their decision) and they said disgustedly, "this should NEVER have gone as far as coming before us".
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    RosieH · 11 days ago
    I asked for my assessment to be recorded, said they didn't have the equipment, could I do it
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Bluesgewehr · 12 days ago
    Yet according to your UC Assessment guide: "You are not allowed to do this yourself, unless your recording equipment meets the strict criteria set by the DWP." So I'm confused.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    MrFibro · 18 days ago
    Video recordings of assessments are not allowed.

    The question begs why?

    Have the DWP, And it's dodgy assessors afraid of something, if they are videoed.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Disabled Rights · 16 days ago
      @MrFibro Video and audio recording is a civil matter, and there's exemptions in the GDPR and the RIPA 2000 that allow covert video recordings and audio phone calls without permission to be made, strictly for legal use, such as presenting evidence of video and/or audio recordings in court.

      There are smartphone apps that have video and audio recordings while the screen is locked and not lighting up.

      My words are not intended for legal advice.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      george · 18 days ago
      @MrFibro It's probably to protect the assessors identity in case of a claiment not being happy with the assessment ( not being happy is me biting my tongue of other words !) 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      James h · 18 days ago
      @MrFibro Mr fibro yes they are afraid?at my last assessment back in 2018 I was met with lies aggression dirty tricks bullying tactics and intimidation from the so called health professional so least at my next one I will get my carer to put their mobile phone on the table and start recording which will help a bit 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      lesley · 18 days ago
      @MrFibro I can only think of ethics or issues around consent. Especially with photography or the moving image. Of course I may be wrong!

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