Work Coach discretion
and financial
responsibilities
Last modified:
27 December 2018 - 13:20
Discretion
1. Where WC teams have flexibility and
discretion in making awards from FSF, this
responsibility must be taken seriously.
2. Each FSF award must be considered on its individual merits. In exercising their
discretion, WCs must take into account national and local guidelines and ensure all
awards are reasonable and represent good value for money in terms of enhancing
employment prospects and reducing the time spent on benefit. Before proposing an
award, the WC must first have considered all other possible sources of funding; this
includes making a judgement on whether or not the claimant could, in their particular
circumstances, reasonably be expected to fund the purchase themself.
3. When considering making an FSF award, WCs are encouraged to apply what might
be termed a ‘tabloid test’ - essentially, if the nature of the award
you made was
portrayed in the press as being ‘a waste of taxpayers money’, could
you give an
explanation for
your actions that would stand up to public scrutiny? Applying the
‘tabloid test’ will also help WCs in relation to discharging their financial responsibilities
(see below).
Financial responsibilities
5. When making a discretionary award, WCs must be mindful of the fact that they are
awarding taxpayer’s money. In this regard, the DWP standards of behaviour include:
correct procedures are followed in all matters to ensure responsible use of
public money
employees must ensure money, property and other funds are properly
safeguarded and not used inappropriately.
6. Failure to follow departmental standards / policy could lead to disciplinary action
being taken against the individual(s) concerned.
7. Discretionary spend is subject to local
management checks , and Internal Audit may
undertake a detailed review of activities / payments at any time.
8. To fully meet the ‘standards of behaviour’, steps must be taken to
identify FSF
overpayments and recoup the money. Key to identifying overpayments / inappropriate
payments is ensuring awards are fully supported by robust, relevant documentation
(e.g. receipts, invoices etc).
9. WC teams must have an understanding of the different payment methods available
for FSF and, where they have a choice, select the most appropriate option. Awarding
cash in advance (where this is an option) carries the greatest risk of all and should,
therefore, only be used where there is no viable alternative and only in very
exceptional circumstances, for example, it’s the last resort. The
Making a payment
chapter of FSF guidance gives information about payment options and the
subject
specific chapters indicate which payment methods are appropriate.
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