BASE is submitting evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee for their report into the management and administration of contracted employment programmes. We would be interested to hear your views and experiences about the following issues and any other information that you think might be useful following the recent tender exercise for Work Choice. An early response would be appreciated.
• Does DWP’s contract management approach ensure the quality of service received by customers is commensurate with the level required under the contract terms?
• How has the centralisation of contract management in DWP impacted upon the role of Jobcentre Plus and both provider and customer experience of outsourced employment programmes?
• Will contract management in the prime contractor model be transparent and effective in monitoring quality throughout the supply chain, and in maintaining a role for sub-contractors?
•Are there sufficient safeguards in place to prevent providers from making fraudulent claims for outcomes they have not achieved?
• Is there sufficient protection for employees who raise concerns about their employers’ delivery of a contracted employment programme?
• Do DWP and the National Audit Office effectively monitor the accuracy of providers’ management information systems, provider performance against targets, and the evidence on which provider payments are claimed?
• Will the customer charter proposed by DWP ensure that customers, Jobcentre Plus and contractors know what they can expect of employment programmes?
Huw Davies
Chief Executive
British Association for Supported Employment
Company Registered in England No: 05794990
Registered address: Unit 4, 200 Bury Road, Tottington, BURY, Lancs. BL8 3DX
For more information about BASE, please visit our website at www.base-uk.org
Tel: 08445 617445 Fax: 08445 617441 email: admin@base-uk.org
|
