1. Assessment Providers (APs) have the facility to audio record telephone and face -to-face assessments upon request. There is currently no facility for audio recording video assessments. 

2. At a face-to-face assessment, an individual and/or their appointee may be asked to sign a form in which they consent to an audio recording being made and agree not to use the recording for unlawful purposes.  

3. During a telephone assessment, this consent or agreement may be captured verbally on the recording. 

4. An individual may record their assessment using their own equipment, where they advise the AP in advance. The AP must also record the assessment. The AP will ensure that recordings are stored securely for the appropriate retention period. APs will publicise these conditions and include them in communications sent to individuals before they attend an assessment. 

5. The Healthcare Professional will note that the assessment has been audio recorded within the assessment report and on the appropriate DWP IT system.  

6. Video recording of an assessment is not permitted. This is to ensure the safety and privacy of staff and other customers. 

Unauthorised use of recordings 

The DWP reserves the right to take appropriate action where the recording of an assessment is used for unlawful purposes – for example, if it is altered and published for malicious reasons.