Fifth review of the Work Capability Assessment

Dr Paul Litchfield has been appointed to undertake the fifth independent review of the Work Capability Assessment and to provide the report before the end of 2014.

Dr Litchfield’s terms of reference are:

to provide the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with an independent report evaluating the operation of the assessments of limited capability for work and limited capability for work-related activity
to evaluate the effectiveness of the limited capability for work assessment in correctly identifying those claimants who are currently unfit for work as a result of disease or disability
to evaluate the effectiveness of the limited capability for work-related activity assessment in correctly identifying those claimants whose disability is such that they are currently unfit to undertake any form of work-related activity
to evaluate perceptions of objectivity surrounding the assessments
to take forward any outstanding areas of work identified in the years one to four reports during year five
to monitor and report on the implementation of the recommendations in the years one to four reports that are adopted by Ministers
to provide independent advice to Ministers and the Department on any specific issues or concerns with the WCA that arise during the term of appointment, on which the Government may seek his independent view.