Overview
- The Department for Work and Pensions began automatically audio-recording all face-to-face and telephone health assessments on Monday, switching the default from opt-in to opt-out.
- The policy covers Personal Independence Payment assessments, Work Capability Assessments used in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit assessments.
- Claimants retain the right to decline recording and written assessment reports will continue to be used for decisions while audio files act as supplementary evidence for appeals and quality review.
- Recordings will be used for assessor training and to spot problems with assessments, and claimants can request their recording via a secure download link or by a Right of Access request if they cannot download it directly.
- The change fulfils a commitment from the March 2025 Pathways to Work Green Paper and sits alongside DWP plans to raise face-to-face assessments to 30% and hire nearly 500 staff while the Timms Review of PIP continues ahead of its autumn conclusion.