Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 14 February 2019 to Question 219317 on Work Capability Assessment, when the safeguarding policy used by her Department's contractors was (a) initially agreed and (b) revised.

The safety and well-being of claimants is paramount. From the outset of the contract, we have required the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA), who conduct Work Capability Assessments, to have processes in place to protect claimants requiring functional assessments. All Healthcare Professionals must meet standards set by their regulatory bodies

While the supplier is not required to have a general Safeguarding Policy, one has been developed to complement existing processes. As stated in the response to question 219317, a copy of the CHDA safeguarding policy will be placed in the Library.