Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Accepted
Develop a comprehensive plan to ensure every Jobcentre meets full accessibility requirements immediately.
Recommendation
It is not acceptable that some Jobcentres remain inaccessible to some of the people who most need their support. In its response, DWP should set out its plan for ensuring that every Jobcentre meets full accessibility requirements. (Recommendation, Paragraph 132)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, stating current Jobcentres are compliant and outlining a comprehensive, continually evolving accessibility strategy. This includes embedding accessibility into new service design, exploring assistive technology, implementing measurable actions to resolve issues, and transparent monitoring and reporting.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Partially accept Our current network of Jobcentres is compliant with accessibility legislation. We recognise that our customers have different accessibility and support needs. Accessibility and inclusion are core drivers of any changes that are planned. We are consistently embedding accessibility and inclusivity into the design of the new Jobs and Careers Service and throughout the entire customer journey. Jobs and Careers Service will work for everyone. We are exploring the use of assistive technology to further improve accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that people can access services online, by phone, or in person. Underpinning this is a comprehensive and continually evolving accessibility strategy grounded in policy, operational standards, and customer insight, and supported by measurable actions and accountability to deliver: • Consistent and up-to-date policy and standards: Operating in accordance with statutory and best practice guidance, regularly assessing facilities against recognised accessibility criteria. • Collaborations to strengthen insight and engagement: We gather feedback from customers, staff, and representative groups e.g. RNID and RNIB to identify barriers and inform continuous improvement. • Resolution of inaccessibility issues: DWP is implementing clear, measurable actions to resolve issues of inaccessibility, with named leads accountable for progress. • Transparent monitoring and reporting: With a commitment to provide oversight and governance to continuously improve our services.