Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
Set up a claimant lived experience reference group to shape DWP safeguarding policy.
Conclusion
To ensure that it incorporates the expertise of people with lived experience of the benefit system, DWP should set up a reference group similar to the Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel to help shape safeguarding policy. (Recommendation, Paragraph 51) Defining ‘vulnerability’ and identifying additional needs
Government response summary AI-generated
The government did not commit to setting up a reference group of people with lived experience (claimants) to shape safeguarding policy. Instead, the response focused on using staff surveys, a Coaching Academy, and frontline staff feedback to inform improvements.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
As part of the current consultation on the Pathways to Work Green Paper the Government is engaging with the public on safeguarding with the question “What practical steps could we take to improve our current approach to safeguarding people who use our services?”. The Government endorses the value of consultation and incorporating lived experience as a way to ensure that policies are well-informed, consider diverse perspectives, and ultimately better serve the public. The Department is currently progressing the establishment of a new Disability Advisory Panel, which will strengthen the Department’s engagement with disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. This strategic panel will comprise up to 12 members, all of whom will bring lived experience and insight to inform both long-term priorities and specific areas of policy development. The Panel is being designed to ensure broad representation, reflecting the diversity of disabled people across Great Britain. It will play a key role in shaping how DWP collaborates with disabled communities and ensure their voices are embedded in decision-making processes. The Department is working towards formally launching the Disability Advisory Panel in summer 2025.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗