Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 45
45
Accepted
Paragraph: 155
Home Office slow to address concerns regarding the Windrush compensation standard of proof.
Conclusion
We strongly welcome the removal of the higher standard of proof from the scheme and the revised guidance for caseworkers issued in July 2021. However, we are extremely disappointed that it has taken the Home Office so long to respond to longstanding concerns about how the standard of proof should be applied and how requests for further information from claimants are to be handled.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government commits to reporting the outcomes of both Tier 1 and Tier 2 reviews to the Independent Advisor, and states that outcomes are shared with senior civil servants and the WCS Oversight Board, in relation to learning from reviews.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
155
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
Changes made regarding standard of proof have been embedded across the case working operation. This has been delivered through workshops between operational and policy colleagues where case studies are considered and the approach discussed. This is designed to build capability amongst staff and ensure consistency in the decision making process. It also forms the basis of training for new staff members. Feedback is given to case workers by the Quality Assurance Team. This team hold regular case conferences to discuss issues, themes and analyse any trends that have been identified. The aim is to ensure the highest possible award can be given to the customer. Where a case worker feels that there is any inconsistency in the advice given, an independent escalation process has been put in place to resolve issues. Our Tier 1 reviewers provide feedback directly to both case workers and quality assurance team members. A review forum for both Tier 1 and 2 cases is also held, so lessons can be learned on recommendations made, and any errors can be addressed. Tier 2 review by the Adjudicator’s Office which is independent from the Home Office already follows the Ethical Decision-making Model.
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