Thank you for contacting me about Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Providers.
The aim of PIP is to ensure support is focused on those with the greatest barrier to independence. The assessment of eligibility focuses on an individual's ability to carry out key everyday activities and will be easier to understand and administer.
Assessments are carried out by trained health professionals working within a quality assured, managed environment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set clear requirements on the professions, skills, experience and training of health professionals that providers can use to carry out PIP assessments, and all are registered with an appropriate professional body, such as the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, or the Health and Care Professions Council.
An independent audit function has been rolled out across Assessment Provider contracts and this is used to judge how they are performing against set targets to ensure that the advice provided to DWP is of suitable quality. Reports are reviewed against the quality of the opinion given, information gathering, the use of further evidence and process.
Assessment Providers also have formal complaints procedures in place, which the DWP monitors. Claimants who are not satisfied with a provider’s response can escalate their complaint directly to the Independent Case Examiner, as well as having the option of appeal via Tribunal.
I hope this helps to clarify the situation for you. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
