Like many of us, I spent much of July hiding behind closed curtains with fans on full blast – though the co-working space air-con was well worth the sticky commute.
Access to Work still threw up its usual hurdles, but there are real hints of progress: a new stakeholder group the DWP seems ready to hear, a prolific media campaign from the Access to Work Collective, and plenty of inspiring chats with fellow professionals sharing their expertise.
Read on for the highlights, some quick tips, and what’s coming up next.
Quick tips
- Always remember that complaints cover issues of ‘how’ things have been done rather than decisions that have been made. If you disagree with a funding decision, you should request a reconsideration instead.
- Avoid delays in your Workplace Needs Assessment by staying reachable (by phone and email) for the first 48 hours after referral and being available to attend the assessment within a week. If that won’t be possible, let your Case Manager know so they can refer you at a more convenient time.
Access to Work in more detail
Whilst digging around in the Freedom of Information requests published on WhatDoTheyKnow, I came across this bit of policy that many of you may find useful. It is not published in the Access to Work Staff Guide, and many Case Managers are unaware of it.
“The DWP must offer three-way calls (conference calls) where a customer, including a vulnerable customer, indicates they require third-party assistance.”
The policy goes on to make it clear that third-party assistance could include a support worker, social worker, family member or friend (among others). And that while the customer must provide the phone numbers, the DWP employee should be the one to actually facilitate the conference call. If the 3-way call fails, the customer should be given the option to end the call rather than being pressured into continuing unsupported.
You can read more in the original FOI.
What I’m up to in August, September and October
1. Regular Free Talks from NeuroRocket
Access to Work talks aimed at neurodivergent workers, run by NeuroRocket and delivered by me. There is always plenty of time to ask questions.
Timetable
August 8th – Part 1: Before you apply
September 12th – Part 1: Before you apply
September 26th – Part 2: Preparing to meet your caseworker
October 10th – Part 1: Before you apply
Don’t worry if you can’t make it on the day – you will be sent a link to the recording to view later.
2. Insight speaker at AT Workwise from TechEdology, 18th September
AT Workwise is a free online conference dedicated to discovering how Assistive Technology can be used to better the workplace for everyone. I’ll be delivering one of the Insight talks focusing on the ‘unwritten policies of Access to Work’ alongside Keynote speakers and demos from Assistive Technology suppliers.
2. Attending innovATe 2025 Manchester, 23rd October
Catch me hanging out at innovATe 2025 Manchester. This one-day in-person event showcases Assistive Technology from a range of suppliers, including Habitat Learn, Dolphin Computer Access, Glean, Everyway, Brain in Hand, Ayoa and Spellex. Grab me for a chat if you’re coming.
Campaign updates
The Access to Work Collective has been doing a marvellous job of keeping Access to Work cuts and problems in the news.
- Radio 4, In Touch – Access to Work: What is happening? (14 minutes)
- Express – ‘We need accessibility, not pity’ – Disabled workers plead in the face of reforms
- Big Issue – Disabled people warn of brutal ‘secret’ cuts to DWP Access to Work support: ‘It’s been horrific’
- The i Paper – ‘We are disabled and want to work, but the government support scheme is blocking us’
Simply click the underlined text above to read each article.
Spotlight on…
Talk Type
My regular monthly slot to showcase products, services, organisations, tools and strategies that you might find useful.
This month it’s TalkType!
TalkType is intuitive and simple dictation software designed with neurodivergent people in mind. It is accessed via a web browser or app and can be used to dictate into a variety of apps and software, including web browsers, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, WhatsApp and Facebook. It is accurate and customisable and can be funded through Access to Work.
Get help from me
I help disabled workers, providers of funded products and services, and employers and other organisations understand and navigate the Access to Work scheme. I do this through advice, advocacy, casework, training, talks and consultancy.
If you want quick access to expert and compassionate advice and support, book a 60-minute advice session:
- For claimants, £45
- For individual Support Workers, £60
- For organisations providing services funded by Access to Work, £90
- For employers, £90
See more at sycamorebusiness.co.uk
Simply click the underlined text above to visit each session and my website.
Last but not least – introducing Mel
I’m really excited to announce that Mel will be joining me to deliver advice sessions, which means that between us, we will have much more capacity and availability.
Once the technology has been sorted out (so stressful!), claimants will have the option to choose between me and Mel when booking a session. Mel has excellent knowledge of Access to Work already, but will be receiving ongoing and regular training and supervision from me.
I’ve known Mel for nearly two years now and am always struck by her calm and compassionate manner. She’s a great listener, motivator and deliverer of pep talks. She’s been doing a wonderful job of giving advice to members of the Facebook groups for a while now, and I know she’s going to be fabulous at delivering advice sessions. She runs her own business too, and I encourage you to check it out.
Some words from Mel…
Hi, I am Mel Friday. As well as working as an independent Access to Work adviser with Alice, I am also an independent PIP adviser, support worker and Virtual Assistant to disabled business owners. I am based in South Wales and run Virtual Friday Business Support and Spoonie Biz Club community.
I live with multiple physical disabilities and chronic health conditions, which meant I had to leave my part-time employed role in 2023. Going self-employed wasn’t a dream, it was a necessity to remain working. Access to Work has helped me to build the workspace and support I need to continue to use my skills, experience and energy in a sustainable way. Now, I use that same knowledge to support others in navigating the AtW process and challenging unfair outcomes.
I know how overwhelming, disheartening and stressful these systems can be, because I’ve been through them myself. That’s why I combine practical advice with genuine understanding. Whether I’m helping someone fill in the forms, prepare for an assessment or renewal, arrange support or equipment once an award is granted or just feel a bit more confident in the process, I bring a mix of lived experience, professional insight, and lots of empathy.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me rewatching my comfort shows with a lap full of cats, laughing with my niblings or sewing something unique.
That’s all for now
See you next month,
Alice 😊