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Health Transformation Programme
22 July 2024 DWP’s Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24
Latest on the trials that came out of the White Paper, from p52. Doesn’t look good for Enhanced Support Service.
‘In 2023-24, the Department expanded the Employment and Health Discussion (EHD) test and made progress on Condition-Focused Assessors work. The Department also began testing a Health Impact Record, introduced a new initiative for the Severe
Disability Group, and concluded the Enhanced Support Service (ESS) proof of concept.
‘The Department expanded the EHD test to 13 sites across England and Wales in October 2023. The EHD is led by a healthcare professional and focuses on how DWP can help people to overcome their barriers to moving towards work.
‘Work on Condition-Focused Assessors also progressed. In Autumn 2023, in Health Transformation Area sites in London and Birmingham, small-scale testing started, matching certain PIP, UC and ESA claimants’ primary health condition to an existing
assessor with professional experience of supporting people with that condition. The aim is to understand whether claimants view this different approach positively and if it improves their trust in the assessment process. This test was expanded in January 2024
to include claimants with multiple conditions.
‘The Department is testing a new initiative, the Severe Disability Group, for people with the most severe health conditions, so they do not need to complete a detailed application form or go through an assessment. This policy is being tested on a small
scale across a range of health conditions. Insight will then be gathered from service users, DWP colleagues and organisations to make sure it works as intended.
‘Testing of the Enhanced Support Service proof of concept concluded in March 2024. The Enhanced Support Service provided bespoke personalised support for vulnerable people who find it hardest to use the benefits system, such as those who do not
have friends or family to support them. It was not a universal service. This test has provided insights into how the Department can provide support and assistance to vulnerable citizens.’