Epic works with DWP on their Error Awareness e-learning for Local Authority Assessors
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to ensuring that customers are paid the correct amount of benefit. As part of its strategy to reduce Housing Benefit error, the DWP has provided an e-learning tool for local authority staff who deliver this benefit.
The web-based programme has been developed for the DWP by the UK e-learning company, Epic.
The focus of the e-learning is about changing attitudes. It encourages local authority staff to make sure that customers know what changes in circumstance they must report. It will also help benefit staff to understand when mistakes are most likely to happen, and recognise opportunities to prompt claimants to report changes in their circumstances.
The training package is aimed at benefit assessors, visiting officers, receptionists - anyone who comes into contact with Housing Benefit customers. It takes around 3 hours to complete, but staff can work through the tutorials and interactive scenarios individually if they prefer.
The e-learning has been available since 5 November 2007 and DWP has sent access details to Benefit Managers in all local authorities. Further information is available on the DWP web-site.
Work & Pensions Minister James Plaskitt said:
"I'm pleased this package is now available to local authority Housing Benefit staff, and urge everyone to do the training. This will help us all to make sure we take every opportunity to reduce error, and ensure every customer gets the right amount of benefit every time they are paid."
Tracy Capaldi-Drewett, Commercial Director for Epic said:
"We are fully aware of how busy the target audience is and are confident that the approach taken in this programme will help in achieving greater levels of accuracy".
Notes to editors:
Epic is a leader in the innovative use of digital media for learning and communications. It creates tailored solutions specific to the needs of clients and end-users that help organisations improve their performance. Epic's many, loyal clients cover a broad spread of industries across both public and private sectors, with particular strengths in Government, Defence, Education, Finance, Retail and Telecommunications.
The company has won numerous awards over its two decades of existence, and is highly respected for its work in fostering understanding of this emerging area of practice. A wealth of free resources is available on the Epic website.