Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department provides to contractors who carry out disability benefits assessments on how to raise the issue of suicidal thoughts with claimants without causing distress.

The Department issues guidance on how to conduct face to face assessments and interview skills. Contracted assessment providers then provide more detailed guidance to healthcare professionals carrying out assessments on how to raise issues on suicidal thoughts during the assessment.

Alongside this guidance, healthcare professionals are given specific training in assessing individuals with mental health conditions. If there is any indication that a claimant has suicidal thoughts or intentions, healthcare professionals are trained to explore the person’s circumstances carefully. The Department also issues guidance that explains if the assessment provider has concerns that a claimant is at risk with regard to self-harm or suicide, they have a responsibility to act in order to safeguard the claimant’s welfare.