Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the extent of partnership working between work programme providers and local NHS and public health bodies; and if he will make a statement.

Work Programme providers have flexibility to innovate and to design support that addresses the needs of individuals and the local labour market and they are responsible for promoting the programme to ensure effective engagement with key stakeholders, including local partners such as public health bodies.

Providers will develop a plan that takes into account a participant’s physical or mental health issues in order to help them to achieve their specific job goals. Many providers provide health and well-being support, either in house or through specialist sub-contractors.

If the Work Programme prime provider cannot help a participant directly, we expect them to engage with local specialist organisations and work with a broad range of subcontractors to deliver the tailored support that can help people into work. This may include organisations that are part of the voluntary and community sector or are public health bodies with local NHS Trusts forming part of the supply chain in some areas.

We are currently exploring ways in which we can build on the success of the current programme in the design of future contracts, including through ensuring effective partnership working with other government departments, and at the local level. We will be engaging with stakeholders as this work progresses.

The DWP is also taking forward a number of voluntary pilots based on the recommendations in the Psychological Wellbeing and Work Report; one of the pilots will offer integrated employment and psychological support to people with mental health problems who are in or out of work who do not engage with face-to-face services or who prefer online transactions. These Psychological Wellbeing and Work pilots will contribute to a better evidence base for action and will inform our thinking about next steps, not only for Government, but for all who have a role to play, including employers, commissioners, service providers and individuals.