Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether health professionals undertaking personal independence payment assessments for people with mental health issues are required to have a qualification in mental health.

The Department requires Health Professionals to achieve approval status following broad training in disability analysis, as well as training in specific conditions, including mental health, multiple and complex conditions. This training is developed by the providers who engage with stakeholders and charities, and regularly review the material to ensure it remains current. The training delivers understanding of multiple mental health conditions and the impact they are likely to have on an individual’s ability to function. In addition, Mental Health Champions support Health Professionals to ensure they deliver quality assessments to customers with mental health conditions.