Preparing for an Appeal Tribunal online course - November 2022

This course will be run in two parts over consecutive half days

This course is for staff working with people of all ages who are affected by a health condition or a disability and challenging a benefits decision at tribunal (note that a working age PIP case study is used). A working knowledge of Personal Independence Payment and the Work Capability Assessment is assumed.

The course will be delivered by our trusted partners the Benefits Training Company, which we help underpin by block booking dedicated places for Disability Rights UK members.

We know from previous work together how knowledgeable and experienced their trainers are. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slides and a comprehensive training pack.

• Part 1: Assessing the case, reviewing the DWP decision - Thursday 17 November 9.45 - 12.45
• Part 2: Composing effective written submissions, preparing claimants for appeal hearings - Friday 18 November 9.45 - 12.45

By the end of the two sessions participants will

• Have an understanding of the decision making and appeals framework and the different mechanisms for getting a decision changed
• Know how to check for inconsistencies in the claimant’s evidence and how to manage inconsistencies
• Have practiced working on a real life case example
• Be able to check key documents within a DWP submission
• Know how to form effective arguments to challenge inaccuracies in the DWP submission
• Know when and how it is appropriate to obtain further evidence to support an appeal
• Be aware of Tribunal Procedure and how an oral hearing is conducted
• Be able to prepare the claimant so they can present in the most appropriate way and help the tribunal reach the right decision
• Know what can be done if the claimant is unhappy with the outcome of the hearing.

Please note this course is not for individual claimants.

How to join after booking

You will receive a Zoom link and the pack attachments by email. Please download the attachments before logging in. We recommend you use the link to login 15 minutes before the event. You will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. You may also wish to have a pen and paper to make notes.