The Disability Benefit Consortium (DBC) has responded to a Social Security Consortium (SSAC) research initiative into how the DWP engages with disabled people in formulating policies and processes which affect them.
The DBC is a network of over 100 organisations, including Disability Rights UK, with an interest in disability and social security.
The DWP regularly consults disabled people, or organisations representing them, in developing policies and implementing services affecting them. However, the extent, consistency and effectiveness of that engagement is not clear.
The SSAC research aims to build a better understanding of that, and consider what scope exists to improve DWP’s current approach, drawing on relevant best practice that exists elsewhere.
The DBC’s response to the SSAC is drafted by DBC Co-Chair Anastasia Berry (Policy Manager (Welfare & Technology) of the MS Society).
The DBC recommends that:
- The DWP should consider reasons for low attendance at or participation in consultative events and exercises and improve the process.
- The DWP should publish findings in a way that is accessible to all, in a timely manner.
- The DWP should take a more proactive approach to contacting organisations they don’t know so well and build relationships with them, supporting them to be able to engage better.
- There must be better co-ordination between policy teams within the DWP to avoid overlap and confusion.
- The DWP must ensure more notice is given for workshops, forums and focus groups.
- The DWP should involve disabled people and organisations as early on in the process as possible.
- The DWP should try to give as much time to respond to consultations as is possible.
- The DWP should consider as many ways as is possible for disabled people to engage with them when consulting on policy.
- The DWP should explore ways for disabled people to be able to participate more easily and consistently.
Download The DBC’s written response to the SSAC.
See also Disability Benefit Consortium calls for emergency covid-19 benefit changes also available from disabilityrightsuk.org.