Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
DWP lacks clear, public-facing safeguarding policy and strategy for claimants.
Conclusion
It is striking that despite being engaged with safeguarding on a daily basis, the Department has never had a clear and coherent, public facing safeguarding policy or strategy. For example, that when making an internet search for “DWP safeguarding policy” or “strategy”, there are no clear results from Government webpages. Whilst it is encouraging that DWP has said it now intends to review and publish its approach to safeguarding, bold action is required if DWP is to rebuild the trust of claimants. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23) 93
Government Response Summary
The government is open to a statutory safeguarding duty and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will make a statement in the Autumn outlining DWP's new safeguarding approach, which will include a clear intent to drive cultural change and define its role in supporting those with safeguarding needs.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government is open to the introduction of a statutory duty to safeguard vulnerable customers and acknowledges the importance of a system-wide approach to ensure consistency, transparency and accountability across Government. As previously shared with the Committee, the Government has recently completed the consultation on the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, on a new DWP safeguarding approach. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will make a statement to the House in the Autumn, following the consideration of the consultation findings and on conclusion of the Department’s current safeguarding review, setting out DWP’s new approach to safeguarding. This will include a clear statement of intent to drive cultural change across all levels of the Department, renew the commitment to safeguarding, promote systems-based approaches, and define DWP’s role in supporting those with safeguarding needs.