Maximus Targets

The request was refused by Department for Work and Pensions.

Dear Department for Work and Pensions,

In an advert for a position with Maximus CHDA https://uk.linkedin.com/jobs/view/team-l...

it clearly states the successful applicant must

1- "Deliver team objectives and performance against targets through robust performance management methods "

2- "Communicate team objectives and performance against targets "

3- "Able to champion direction set by senior management and inspire a team to deliver results "

4- "Able to collaborate effectively with others to drive a performance culture "

This clearly points to Maximus being directed to provide negative outcomes from assessments.

I am asking for a Freedom of Information Request as to

1- What these "targets" (which have to be set by the company that has sub-contracted the work which would be the DWP) are (*1 and 2)

2- What are the "results" that are to be "delivered" (*3)

3- What "performance" is required? (*IE is it to provide negative assessment outcomes)

Yours faithfully,

Clive Arnold

DWP freedom-of-information-requests, Department for Work and Pensions

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Should you have any further queries in connection with this request do
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[1]http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom-of-informa...
 

References

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DWP Health Services Correspondence, Department for Work and Pensions

1 Attachment

Dear C Arnold,
 
Please see our response to your recent Freedom of Information request.
 
Yours sincerely
 
DWP Health Services Correspondence Team
 
 

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Dear Department for Work and Pensions,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of Department for Work and Pensions's handling of my FOI request 'Maximus Targets'.

After monitoring DWP staff on Twitter, Facebook etc there are many mentions of "targets" so I refuse to accept your reply:

1- In response to your questions 1, 2 and 3, I can advise that no job role within CHDA has
objectives and performance targets relating to the outcome of assessments, in connection with benefit claims.

A- As stated here https://chdaexternal-maximusuk.icims.com... it states "Ensure that the volumes, quality, and applicable service levels are delivered to agreed target levels" so I want to know what these "agreed targets" are please.

2- In common with most organisations, CHDA will agree with the member of staff their performance objectives in relation to their precise job role. Dependent upon the role targets may relate to quantity and quality of work, and standards of customer service.

A- So kindly provide me with the information as to what these "targets" are and if the DWP are the organisation that sets these "targets".

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...

Yours faithfully,

Clive Arnold

DWP freedom-of-information-requests, Department for Work and Pensions

This is an automated confirmation that your request for information has
been accepted by the DWP FoI mailbox.
 
By the next working day your request will be forwarded to the relevant
information owner within the Department who will respond to you direct. 
 
If your email is a Freedom of Information request you can normally
expect a response within 20 working days.
 
Should you have any further queries in connection with this request do
please contact us.
 
For further information on the Freedom of Information Act within DWP
please click on the link below.
 
[1]http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom-of-informa...
 

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References

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1. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom-of-informa...

Dear DWP freedom-of-information-requests,

As the reply is well overdue I am requesting an internal review as to why it is taking so long to reply

Yours sincerely,

Clive Arnold

DWP freedom-of-information-requests, Department for Work and Pensions

This is an automated confirmation that your request for information has
been accepted by the DWP FoI mailbox.
 
By the next working day your request will be forwarded to the relevant
information owner within the Department who will respond to you direct. 
 
If your email is a Freedom of Information request you can normally
expect a response within 20 working days.
 
Should you have any further queries in connection with this request do
please contact us.
 
For further information on the Freedom of Information Act within DWP
please click on the link below.
 
[1]http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom-of-informa...
 

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom-of-informa...

DWP Health Services Correspondence, Department for Work and Pensions

1 Attachment

Dear C Arnold,
 
Please see our response to your recent request for an Internal Review.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Correspondence Team
Contracted Health and Employment Services
 

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J Newman left an annotation ()

Thankfully I am now long out of this fetid process, but it is interesting to note that few of the key shortcomings have not been addressed since it all started in 2008.
The trick they often use to nudge results in the direction they want is through performance leagues - pass/fail rates per HPC. If you are "below average", you are "coached" to move up to the average. This of course slowly moves the average up and works without the need to define a specific target.
There has been publicity again recently about appeal results and the high % upheld. DWP has always refused to measure and report the key statistic - % right first time. It has also refused to state what in its opinion is the highest % that it could reasonably reach - clearly not 100% as no process is that good. The more greyness of course the better for DWP as it prevents anyone being held to account.

DWP Health Services Correspondence, Department for Work and Pensions

1 Attachment

Dear C Arnold,
 
Please see our response to your recent request for an Internal Review.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Correspondence Team
Contracted Health and Employment Services
 

show quoted sections

John Slater left an annotation ()

The DWP's answer is disingenuous. Whilst there is no statutory limit to respond to IRR the Information Commissioner states that a public authority should provide a full response, including an IRR, within 40 working days.