Preparing for an Appeal Tribunal

A significant proportion of DWP decisions are wrong and need to be challenged. This course looks at the appeals process and how to prepare a claimant for a First-tier Tribunal hearing, including how to research the law and how to compose an effective written submission.

This is a two-part course on two consecutive half days. To attend the whole course, please select 2-part ticket for £160 + VAT (you do not need to book separately onto Part 2). To attend Part 1 only, choose the Single Part ticket.

PREPARING FOR AN APPEAL TRIBUNAL, Part 1:

• Assessing the case
• BREAK
• Reviewing the DWP submission

Aims
Preparing for an Appeal Tribunal, Part 1 teaches how to assess a case following a negative or unsatisfactory DWP decision, using a recent Personal Independence Payment case study. After the break we look at selected documents from an example DWP submission and practise evaluating them.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 1 participants will:

• Have an understanding of the decision making and appeals framework and the different mechanisms for getting a decision changed;
• Know how to check for inconsistencies in the claimant’s evidence and how to manage inconsistencies;
• Have practiced working on a real life case example.
• Be able to check key documents within a DWP submission;
• Know how to form effective arguments to challenge inaccuracies in the DWP submission;
• Know when and how it is appropriate to obtain further evidence to support an appeal.

PREPARING FOR AN APPEAL TRIBUNAL, Part 2:

• Writing the submission
• BREAK
• Attending the hearing

Aims
Preparing for an Appeal Tribunal, Part 2 teaches participants how to compose an effective written submission to a tribunal ahead of an appeal hearing. After the break participants learn how to prepare a claimant for an oral appeal hearing.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 2 participants will:

• Have an understanding of the decision making and appeals framework and the different mechanisms for getting a decision changed;
• Know how to check for inconsistencies in the claimant’s evidence and how to manage inconsistencies;
• Have practiced working on a real life case example.
• Be able to check key documents within a DWP submission;
• Know how to form effective arguments to challenge inaccuracies in the DWP submission;
• Know when and how it is appropriate to obtain further evidence to support an appeal.
• Be aware of Tribunal Procedure and how an oral hearing is conducted;
• Be able to prepare the claimant so they can present in the most appropriate way and help the tribunal reach the right decision;
• Know what can be done if the claimant is unhappy with the outcome of the hearing.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources. There is a 15 minute break halfway through each part of the course.

Intended audience
This course is for staff working with people of all ages who are affected by a health condition or a disability and challenging a benefits decision at tribunal (note that a working age PIP case study is used). A working knowledge of Personal Independence Payment and the Work Capability Assessment is assumed.

Certificates & post course support
Named participants completing the whole course (Parts 1 & 2) will receive an e-certificate and regular benefits news updates and guarantees access our free 12 months post-course advice service.