This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Details of HCP Disability training.'.

To P Wilkinson  
C/o xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx 
 
DWP Central Freedom of Information Team 
 
e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx  
 
Our Ref: VTR 2630-3583  
DATE 23 December 2011 
 
 
Dear P Wilkinson, 
 
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request that was received by the Department for 
Work and Pensions (DWP) Adelphi on 28 November 2011 and forwarded for response by DWP 
Commercial Management of Medical Services (CMMS) Freedom of Information Officer.  
 
In your email you asked to be provided with information answering the following questions:- 
Dear Department for Work and Pensions, 
1.  Please could I have a detailed description of the course/training modules which the 
HCP's working for Atos, have to complete to become qualified to conduct assessments 
on people in receipt of welfare benefits. 

2.   Can people who are not working for Atos, complete the same types of courses, if they 
have a nursing qualification, and on completion, call themselves Disability Analysts? 
3.   Which body has given the HCPs accreditation up to now and who is giving them 
accreditation in the future? 
In answer to Q 1 the Atos Healthcare training is outlined as follows:-  
 
Initial Training: varies in detail according to which benefit is involved.  However all such 
training follows a similar basic pattern, as follows; 
 
Theoretical Training: Theoretical training commences with a trainer led theory based course 
usually delivered to a group of HCPs in a classroom setting.  HCPs who are new to the work of 
Atos Healthcare will receive instruction in such areas as disability analysis, customer’s rights, 
equal opportunities and professional standards.  Detailed technical information relevant to the 
benefit concerned is provided.  All Atos Healthcare trainers have undergone specific training to 
prepare them for the role, including practical sessions to enhance their understanding of how 
adults learn.   
 
Practical Training: Practical Training is the work undertaken by the new recruits that is 
produced in a controlled environment. For examination centre based assessments the HCP is 
supervised and appraised by an experienced Medical Adviser as they complete their 
introductory cases.  In the domiciliary visit based benefits the initial cases are monitored 
immediately on return to allow feedback to be given without delay. 
 

Demonstration of understanding assessed by multiple choice examination: for Employment 
and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance the HCP is required to attain a pass 
mark in a multiple choice questionnaire before they are allowed to proceed to the practical 
training.  The questionnaire includes questions on the whole range of topics covered in the 
training course. 
 
Demonstration of understanding by audit:  In all benefits the initial cases produced by the HCP 
are target monitored by an experienced medical adviser and the training cannot be considered 
as complete until they have demonstrated that their work is acceptable.  Whenever any 
problems are identified appropriate feedback is provided.  Further cases are monitored until 
the work is shown to be satisfactory.  If the situation is not rectified the HCP may be required 
to repeat the entire training process.  Continued lack of progress will result in the HCP being 
informed by a medical manager they can be offered no further training and no further work.   
 
Approval: All HCPs must be approved by the CMA to the DWP and separate approval is 
required for each benefit area in which the HCP is involved.  Approval is dependent on 
successful completion of all stages of their training process and ongoing demonstration that 
the work being carried out meets a satisfactory standard.  
 
Written Guidelines: As part of the HCPs training and ongoing support they are issued with 
guidelines pertaining to the benefit involved.  These guidance notes provide specific technical 
advice about the benefit concerned, outline best practise and contain general advice about 
disability analysis and service to the people with disabilities. 
 
All HCPs are monitored to ensure that their work meets the required quality standards.  If a 
problem is identified, the HCP may be required to undertake tailored training, which may 
involve training in mental health issues if required. 
 
After basic training, the training given to HCPs differs. Information relating to the training of 
HCPs can be provided if it is known which specific benefit is being discussed.  
 
In reply to Q 2 all HCPs employed by Atos Healthcare to undertake medical assessments as a 
part of the contract to supply Medical Services to DWP are fully trained in Disability 
Assessment Medicine. Expertise in this field qualifies the HCP to give an impartial, 
independent assessment on the way in which a claimant’s illness or disability affects them in 
carrying out of a range of everyday work-related activities. Training includes the assessment of 
the effects of specific conditions, for example mental health, or where a condition may 
fluctuate. Emphasis is always placed on the differing circumstances of each individual 
claimant. Atos Healthcare do not stipulate that HCPs must hold the Diploma in Disability 
Assessment Medicine (DDAM) qualification. Should an HCP choose to acquire the DDAM, 
they are not obliged to inform Atos Healthcare. In relation to who else may call themselves 
disability analysts you may want to contact the relevant professional organisation for advice.  
 
In response to Q 3 applications for both employed and contracted HCPs are initially processed 
centrally. This involves a check of the applicant’s General Medical Council/Nursing and 
Midwifery Council registration and medical defence status, and the taking up of references. 
Successful completion of this stage is followed by a formal interview. 
 

The DWP Chief Medical Adviser then gives approval to carry out assessments; this is currently 
Dr Bill Gunnyeon, who is the DWP Director for Health, Work and Wellbeing, Chief Medical 
Adviser and Chief Scientist,  
 
Maintenance of approval is conditional on the HCPs continuing to demonstrate satisfactory 
standards in their work. If the work is not satisfactory, appropriate feedback is given, allowing 
the HCPs an opportunity to improve. The exact course of events is dependent on the 
circumstances of each particular case but, if following remedial action, a satisfactory standard 
cannot be attained the HCP will no longer be permitted to carry out that work. 
 
It is also dependent upon the HCPs undertaking work for Atos Healthcare in the particular 
benefit area that the training permits and his/her continuing utilisation whilst fulfilling the 
following criteria: 
  the HCP continues to satisfy the required standards. 
  the HCP completes any mandatory training required. 
  the HCP utilised availability within the last 12 months is acceptable to the 
Medical Manager and is broadly in line with his/her agreed utilisation. 
 
 
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number 
above.   
Yours sincerely,  
 
 
DWP Central FoI Team 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act 
 
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team, 5th Floor The Adelphi, 1-11, John Adam Street, 
London WC2N 6HT. Any review request should be submitted within two months of the date of this letter.  
 
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information 
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have 
exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information 
Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF www.ico.gov.uk