This online session is suitable if you work in one of the following sectors:
- Small voluntary sector organisations who provide help to members of the public e.g. foodbanks, caring organisations, community transport
- Social prescribers
- Housing providers or housing associations
- Local authorities
- Anyone who meets people in the course of their work who are struggling to make ends meet and may need support with navigating the benefits system
Introduction and Aim
The government has a consultation in progress which sets out plans and proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support. This Green Paper is an important staging post on a journey of reform, building on the vision and approach set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper in November 2024.
This short Welfare Reform Briefing, run by Citizens Advice Devon, is designed for those providing advice to the public, particularly around disability benefits. With the consultation on the Disability Green Paper closing on 30 June 2025, it's essential that advisers understand the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other disability benefits. The session will explain what changes are being considered, when they might take effect, and how advisers can support clients to both understand and engage with the consultation. The course will also explore the potential implications for advice services and encourage timely action where appropriate.
Objectives
This briefing session will:
- Summarise the major proposed welfare reform changes
- Set out the timetable for the proposed changes
- Summarise how the consultation process works
- Allow discussion on the proposed changes
About your tutor:
Vincent Wilson - Vincent has worked for the Citizens Advice service in Devon since 1985. As an experienced trainer, he has provided benefits training for many years to voluntary and statutory sector staff, covering all aspects of the benefits system from introductory courses to Tribunal Representation. He has been a benefits caseworker for most of his working life, having taken cases to the Upper Tribunal level. He has been involved with national Health Education England in the design of an e-learning module on social welfare legal support and money guidance for social prescribers and has provided training locally on the financial support available to people worst affected by the rise in the cost of living. He is Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Teignbridge.