DWP policy impact assessment
Failure of DWP to adequately analyze the potential impacts, including health implications, of new policies on vulnerable claimants.
9 items
1 source
3 inquiries
Source spread
Where this theme appears
DWP policy impact assessment has been flagged across 1 independent accountability source:
9 inquiry recs
This theme has been identified in one data source. As more data is added, cross-references may emerge.
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Inquiry Recommendations (9)
33 — Improve HMIP and IMB evidence gathering and reporting processes
Recommendation: HM Inspectorate of Prisons and Independent Monitoring Boards working within immigration removal centres must ensure that they have robust processes for: obtaining and reporting on an enhanced range of evidence and intelligence from detained people and those who represent or …
Gov response: The government stated it is considering its reliance on external scrutiny organisations. This recommendation was directed primarily at HMIP and IMBs.
Accepted in Part
32 — Strengthen Independent Monitoring Board statutory footing and responsiveness
Recommendation: The government must: respond to and publish responses to all concerns raised by any Independent Monitoring Board regarding immigration removal centres; take steps without further delay to amend the Detention Centre Rules 2001, in so far as they govern Independent …
Gov response: The Ministry of Justice has committed in the 2021 Prisons Strategy White Paper to pursue legislative reform to provide Independent Monitoring Boards with a statutory framework, intending to legislate 'as soon as Parliamentary time allows'.
Accepted in Part
31 — Update whistleblowing DSO with anonymous reporting mechanisms
Recommendation: The Home Office must update Detention Services Order 03/2020: Whistleblowing – The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 to require contractors that run immigration removal centres to: have a whistleblowing policy and procedure that is specific to the immigration detention environment; …
Gov response: The broader complaints and whistleblowing review covers whistleblowing processes, including review of Detention Services Orders and improving visibility of processes within IRCs.
Accepted in Part
30 — Enhance Professional Standards Unit independence and seniority
Recommendation: The Home Office must: take steps to enhance the independence of the Professional Standards Unit from the Home Office and the perception of this independence; and increase the seniority of the Head of the Professional Standards Unit so that they …
Gov response: The government does not accept this recommendation. The government stated: 'The seniority of the Head of the PSU will not be changed.' The government expressed confidence in existing ACAS Code compliance and PPO escalation routes.
Not Accepted
29 — Improve Professional Standards Unit investigation procedures and training
Recommendation: The Home Office must update Detention Services Order 03/2015: Handling of Complaints to clarify that, in investigations carried out by the Professional Standards Unit into allegations of serious misconduct against contractor staff: Professional Standards Unit investigators must carry out interviews …
Gov response: The Professional Standards Unit has updated its training to reflect Brook House Inquiry findings, including training in interviewing vulnerable witnesses. An embedded use of force expert has been added.
Accepted in Part
28 — Address barriers to detainee complaints including fear of repercussions
Recommendation: The Home Office and its contractors operating immigration removal centres must take steps to identify and address the barriers to making complaints that are faced by detained people, including a fear of repercussions. This must include training for staff on …
Gov response: A comprehensive review of complaints processes is underway, including engagement with detainees, IMB and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Detention Services Orders are to be updated on completion.
Accepted in Part
27 — Action plan to address staff desensitisation and secondary trauma
Recommendation: Contractors operating immigration removal centres must develop and implement an action plan to ensure a safe and healthy staff culture in immigration removal centres. The action plan must address: the identification of and response to any sign of desensitisation among …
Gov response: The government described the introduction of a code of conduct and a mandatory staff engagement strategy. The ITC review addresses staff wellbeing and secondary trauma awareness.
Accepted in Part
No update 2+ yrs
36 — Impact assessment of policy changes
Recommendation: The cumulative impact of new policies and processes, particularly the perceived pressure to achieve Foundation Trust status, together with organisational reconfiguration, placed significant pressure on the management capacity of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to deliver …
Gov response: 97. We accept this recommendation in principle. We acknowledge the Investigation’s findings that the pursuit of Foundation Trust status distorted management capacity and priorities at Morecambe Bay. 98. In response to the failings at both …
Accepted
LAMI-3 — Establish National Agency to assess, advise, and monitor children and families policy
Recommendation: The newly established National Agency for Children and Families should have the following responsibilities: • to assess, and advise the ministerial Children and Families Board about, the impact on children and families of proposed changes in policy; • to scrutinise …
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