Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what training modules on domestic abuse and financial coercion are mandatory for Child Maintenance Service staff; and how many staff have completed that training in the last 12 months.

The Department for Work and Pensions take domestic abuse and financial coercion extremely seriously and ensures that all Child Maintenance Service (CMS) colleagues are equipped to provide appropriate support to customers.

All CMS colleagues complete mandatory training on Domestic Abuse, which includes content on financial abuse. This training enables staff to recognise, understand, and respond safely and appropriately to customers who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. The Department regularly reviews and updates mandatory training to maintain its relevance and effectiveness.

In addition to mandatory training, the Department provides refresher training on Domestic Abuse to reinforce understanding and maintain high standards of service.