Provider memo 67: Amendments to Work and Health Programme Referral Process
Updated 23 December 2024
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To: Work and Health Programme Providers
From: Work and Health Programme Operational Policy Team
Subject: Amendments to Work and Health Programme Referral Process
Action: For information
Timing: Immediate
Background
1. As referrals from 1 November 2022 are not funded by ESF, so not subject to ESF requirements, a streamlined re-design of the WHP referral process has been agreed by the Department.
2. This memo informs you of amendments that have been made to Work and Health Programme (WHP) Referral Process from 2nd November 2022 (due to IT release).
Summary and action
3. The existing referral process includes the use of a selection tool, held within the Digital Claimant Activity messaging service (DCAMS) platform. The selection tool helps Work Coaches confirm the eligibility and suitability of a claimant for the WHP provision. From 2nd November the DCAMS platform will be removed and replaced with two new components:
i. new eligibility and suitability questions
ii. changes to the Gatekeeper function
i. New eligibility and suitability questions
The new eligibility and suitability questions will be included in the UC WHP “to do” and in Legacy Benefits instructions. These questions have been designed to remove any potential subjectivity. The answers are to be based purely on factual information that the work coach will consider and discuss with the customer prior to making the referral to the WHP.
These changes build on the existing selection questions and have been developed in consultation with experienced work coaches and expert domains, such as psychologists.
ii. Gatekeeper function.
There will be no random allocation to the WHP, Gatekeepers will retain responsibility for managing volumes and identification/allocation of participants on to the programme if demand starts to outstrip supply. The Gatekeeper will use weekly Management Information and consider local priorities to manage the volumes.
4. This live running memo is for information only and no action is needed.
Further Information
5. If you have any queries about this memo, please contact: whp.enquiries@dwp.gov.uk