Welfare Reform Bill

I know, and that is why I am trying to make the description as clear as possible. It is very important that, from the customer’s point of view, the assessment is one process and that it is conducted sensitively and very much tailored to the customer’s needs—he may need someone to accompany him to the interview or he may need help in understanding the implications of the information that he is given. However, I cannot over-emphasise the importance of the role of the personal adviser. It is important that we do not confuse that with the role of the decision-maker, to which the noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, referred. The person who makes the decision is employed by Jobcentre Plus and has a responsibility delegated by the Secretary of State to make decisions about entitlement. That is the ““techie”” making the decision. The relationship with the customer takes place through the personal adviser. The personal adviser, who will stay with the customer throughout his journey, could well be contracted out and will receive specific training. The person who understands the needs of the customer and receives information from the work-related health assessment can identify what will make a difference for the customer and help him to get closer to the workplace. I hope that, by explaining the difference between the decision-maker and the personal adviser, I have helped the Committee. With regard to Cardiff University, great note is taken of the work that the noble Lord, Lord Kirkwood, highlighted. There is a wide body of research that we will discuss later today. The department is very committed to promoting independent research, evaluating the effect of the pilots and new initiatives as they roll out, and indeed learning and ensuring that that learning is not wasted. I hope that in my answer I have covered the questions that were raised and that it is clear that I recognise the importance of this debate.