Mythbusters
Conference Workshops
Direct Applications for an Inspector's
Review
IRS
Training for Jobcentre Plus Staff
Self Instruction
Packs
IRS
Publication Scheme Update
Journals 35 and 36
Mythbusters
A number of myths have grown up around the Social Fund. Is what you
have been told a fact, or a myth? Don't be caught out - read our new
Mythbusters
section in the IRS Review pages of the website.
Conference Workshops
The aim of Conference-Workshops is for representatives from the IRS
to meet delegates from welfare rights groups and support organizations who may
have an interest in the Social Fund. This is an opportunity for delegates who
do not know much about the Social Fund to learn more, and for those who have
used the Social Fund to share their experiences with the conference.
The Conference-Workshops normally last about half a day. They include
a presentation by the IRS representatives, during which questions are welcomed,
and a further opportunity to discuss any issues affecting the operation of the
Social Fund in that geographical area. The atmosphere is informal, and open
discussion is encouraged.
During
2007/2008 we held Conference-Workshops in a number of towns and cities across
the UK. The events were all well attended and positively received, and we plan
to continue holding Conference-Workshops in as many parts of the country as
possible. So far this year we have been to Middlesbrough, Manchester and Perth
(on 29th May). During the rest of 2008/2009, we will be visiting Sheffield,
Plymouth, Ashford (Kent), London, Norwich, Coventry and Cardiff. We issue
invitations to organisations in the area that we think may like to send a
delegate. If you would like to nominate a delegate, let Martin Keeves know.
The success of the events suggests that other parts of the country
might benefit from Conference-Workshops. If you think your area is one of them,
contact Martin Keeves at mk@irs-review.org.uk
Direct Applications for an Inspector's
Review
From 2nd April 2007,
the regulations require that all applications for a review by a Social Fund
Inspector must be sent direct to the IRS. You can write to the IRS on the
IRS1 leaflet or in a letter, using our
FREEPOST address, explaining why you want a review. However, if an
application is sent to the Jobcentre Plus by mistake, they will arrange for the
application to be forwarded to us.
When we receive direct applications
for an Inspector's review we will contact the relevant Jobcentre Plus office as
a matter of urgency and arrange for all papers to be sent directly to us. As
soon as we receive the papers the Inspector will contact the customer within 3
working days to set out the relevant issues in the case and ask any relevant
questions. Please allow a few days for the papers to arrive at the IRS before
enquiring about the progress of a reivew.
For more information about direct
applications call Lis Martin on 0121 606 2204. Free copies of our
leaflet IRS1, which explains the new way to apply for an Inspector's review,
can be downloaded by clicking
here. Or, alternatively they can be obtained from
the IRS. Call Justine Bird now on 0121 606 2155 for your free copies.
New IRS1 Form for Direct Applications for an
Inspector's Review |
IRS
Training for Jobcentre Plus Staff
For some time the IRS has delivered free workshops to Social Fund
staff in Jobcentre Plus, either at Jobcentre Plus sites or here at the IRS in
Birmingham.
Currently, we have a programme of
training tailored to meet the changing needs of staff who deliver the Social
Fund. This includes training for new Social Fund decision makers and refresher
training for existing staff to help secure continued improvements in the
standard of decision making. Do you foresee a training need for 2008? If so,
contact Samantha Mellalieu on 0121 606 2135 or at
sam@irs-review.org.uk to discuss the help the IRS
can offer.
Self
Instruction Packs
Many of
the flaws Inspectors find in Reviewing Officers' decisions are related to a
failure to gather evidence effectively. The Self Instruction Pack Decision
Making: the Inquisitorial Role aims to help with this crucial aspect of
decision making.
Decision Making and Reviews is a 'how-to' pack,
covering all elements of making and reviewing Social Fund
determinations.
The packs are
available to download on the Self Instruction Packs page, just click
here to be
taken to them.
IRS
Publication Scheme Update
The IRS publication Scheme page has been updated. The scheme aims to
make as much information as possible about the IRS and its work easily
available to the public. The page has been updated to include details of the
IRS race equality scheme.
Please click
here to be
taken to the Freedom of Information page, which provides more detail on the
Publication scheme itself and the information which is available. Alternatively
contact Richard Plant at
rpp@irs-review.org.uk or 0121 606 2222
Journals 35 and 36
The latest IRS Journals are now available to download.
Please click here to be sent to
the IRS publications section.
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