Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) guidance, (b) training and (c) minimum standards are provided to work coaches supporting clients with learning difficulties.

All Work Coaches new to DWP receive mandatory learning to support vulnerable customers and complex needs as part of their induction and onboarding, this includes helping customer who need additional support.

DWP Work Coaches also receive comprehensive training to support individuals with additional needs. This learning begins with the core Work Coach learning journey, and is reinforced through ongoing, point-of-need learning throughout their role. Key topics include:

• The claimant commitment – which focuses on tailoring commitments to each claimant’s circumstances and abilities.
• The vulnerable customer learning journey - which includes a dedicated module on learning difficulties and helping work coaches identify the appropriate support required.