Preparing for an Appeal Tribunal

A significant proportion of DWP decisions are wrong and need to be challenged. This course looks at the appeals process and how to prepare a claimant for a First-tier Tribunal hearing, including how to research the law and how to compose an effective written submission. 

Part 1: Assessing the case / Examining the medical report & finding the law 

Aims
This part of the course teaches how to assess a case following a negative or unsatisfactory DWP decision. It uses a Personal Independence Payment case example. It goes on to teach participants how to check whether further evidence is needed and how to find and reference helpful legislation.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 1 participants will:

  • Know how to check for inconsistencies in the claimant’s evidence and how to manage inconsistencies.
  • Have practiced working on a real life case example.
  • Know how to examine the DWP medical report and other available evidence.
  • Know where and how to find helpful references to the law including the use of the PIP regulations and precedent set by the Courts.

Preparing for an Appeal Tribunal

Part 2: Writing the submission / Attending the hearing

Aims
This part of the course teaches participants how to compose an effective written This part of the course teaches participants how to compose a written submission to an appeal tribunal. It uses a Personal Independence Payment case example. This part of the course goes on to look at how to prepare an appellant for the appeal hearing. It also considers the possible options for a claimant when they are unhappy with the outcome from a First-Tier Tribunal.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of Part 2 participants will:

  • Know how to construct a coherent case in support of a client going to appeal.
  • Be able to structure a written submission to include the key points that should be raised before the tribunal.
  • Be aware of Tribunal Procedure and how an oral hearing is conducted.
  • Be able to prepare the claimant so they can present in the most appropriate way and help the tribunal reach the right decision.
  • Know what can be done if the claimant is unhappy with the outcome of the hearing.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources. There is a 20-30 minute break halfway through each part of the course.

Intended audience
This course is for participants working with people of all ages who are affected by a health condition or a disability and challenging a benefits decision at tribunal (note that a working age PIP case study is used). A working knowledge of Personal Independence Payment and the Work Capability Assessment is assumed.

Certificates & post course support
Named participants completing the whole course (Parts 1 & 2) will receive an e-certificate and regular Participants will receive an e-certificate for completing both Parts 1&2 (6 hours) of any complete BTC course. This also guarantees eligibility to access our free 12 months post-course advice service (including priority entry to free webinars).

Course instructions
This online course is run over Zoom. In the week before the course, you will receive an email with Zoom link(s) and access the supporting materials. You will need to download (or print) the pack (and slides, if you wish) before each part of the course, unless you have selected a printed pack when booking.

Participants will need a good wifi connection and a suitable computer/laptop to access both the Zoom session and the pack throughout. You may wish to use a separate device for the pack (or split your screen) if you cannot or do not wish to print. We recommend participants log in a few minutes beforehand. You may also wish to have a pen and paper handy to make notes.