Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Department takes to involve autistic people and other experts by experience in the design, drafting and review of written communications, guidance and other documents relating to benefits and employment support; and whether autistic people with lived experience are involved in the development and delivery of autism-related training provided to DWP staff as is currently mandatory in the NHS.

DWP works with a range of internal and external experts when developing learning and support relating to disabled customers, including autistic people.

Working in partnership with Coventry University, Neurobox and DWP psychologists, the Department has developed a new Supporting Customer Needs learning offer for customer-facing colleagues. This includes dedicated learning on neurodivergence, including autism, and has been informed by expert insight and engagement with stakeholders from across the Department.

Additionally, learning for all Jobcentre staff includes comprehensive mandatory learning enabling them to support customers with a broad range of health, disability and additional or complex needs. This equips staff to determine appropriate actions, avoid making assumptions, and explain what reasonable adjustments, support and signposting options DWP can offer when supporting customers into work.