Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what specific qualifications are required to operate as a disability assessor for her Department.

Health Professionals that carry out Work Capability and Personal Independence Payment assessments on behalf of the department must have the following qualifications and experience:

• are an occupational therapist, nurse, physiotherapist, doctor (or paramedic - PIP only)
• fully registered with the relevant licensing body (doctors must have a licence to practise)
• the licensing body has not placed any sanctions on the health professional's registration
• at least 2 years post full registration experience or less than 2 years post full registration experience by specific agreement with the department.

Health Professionals are subject to a rigorous recruitment process followed by a comprehensive training programme in disability assessment for both physical and mental health conditions and have to be approved by the department. Health Professionals are then required to complete a programme of continuing professional development.