Changes to Access to Work for Supported Internships
DWP has announced future changes to the way that Access to Work applications will be handled for Supported Internships and Traineeships. We expect the changes to come into force in early September and DWP have asked that applications are not submitted before then. BASE is working alongside the Department for Education and a group of providers to advise DWP on the proposed changes. We will be posting updates when we can but DWP has released the following text:
Access to Work are currently reviewing the Supported Internship journey following feedback from customers and stakeholders that there was room for improvement.
From September, Access to Work will be introducing a number of changes, which will enable us to test and learn, in order to continually improve the Supported Internship offer.
The initial changes we are looking to test from September include:
- A revised application form aimed at the Access to Work customer submitted via post;
- Improved Access to Work staff guide enabling greater clarity and consistency;
- Additional steps to ensure consent is obtained from the Access to Work customer regarding the processing of their personal information; and
- Agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant.
We will look to adapt and update the customer journey as we progress through the test and learn, so that the Access to Work customer and Providers/ Colleges experience a process that is accommodating of the request for support.