Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28039 on 3 April 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The rescheduling of the introduction of disability benefits as a result of Coronavirus meant that it was necessary to end the tendering exercise which was being undertaken for the provision of a comprehensive advocacy service before it had been concluded. The original tender contained specifications on what information would be gathered from the service provider and reported on in due course.

We launched an interim advocacy service on 30 June to support disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits.

During the course of this interim service we will work with appointed advocacy service providers to collate appropriate information to report on. As take up of the interim service is anticipated to be low, any reporting will be dependent on not compromising the identity of those making use of the service.

The re-tender for the comprehensive service will again contain specifications on information gathering for reporting purposes.

A pause in routine recruitment commenced on Friday 27th March 2020. The pause in routine external recruitment was lifted on Monday 20 July. There is no date at this time for ending the pause in routine internal recruitment. Covid and other critical recruitment has continued through the lockdown period.

73 directly employed staff have ended their employment with the Scottish Government since the start of the lockdown. We do not record vacant posts within our central HR system, nor is every post retained after being vacated. We therefore do not have information on how many of these posts remain unfilled. However, we currently have 72 external recruitment campaigns, which includes vacancies created by these leavers.

Social Security Scotland will publish the advice and guidance supplied to decision makers on the benefits which it currently delivers by Summer 2020.

The rescheduling of the introduction of disability benefits as a result of Coronavirus meant that it was necessary to end the tendering exercise which was being undertaken for the provision of a comprehensive advocacy service before it had been concluded.

However, because it was anticipated that there may still be some demand for the service from disabled people who are seeking to apply for the existing Scottish benefits, as well as for Scottish Child Payment once it is introduced, the Scottish Government made arrangements to support that demand as it arises.

To this end, an interim service has been implemented and commenced on 30 June. Due to the tight timescales for this interim scheme’s implementation, it was not possible to engage with advocacy providers in the run up to the launch of the scheme.

We are however currently working with advocacy service providers to support the interim scheme, and will continue to do so during the development of a longer-term solution that will be in place for the introduction of Scottish disability benefits.

No providers are being retained for this service as the provision will be client focused, with each client being individually referred to a suitable provider.

Engagement has commenced with advocacy providers throughout Scotland to discuss this interim service provision.

An hourly rate will be paid to the advocacy provider based on the work undertaken for the client.

The Coronavirus crisis necessitated a change in timing for the introduction of disability benefits being delivered by Social Security Scotland. A decision was made not to proceed with an award of contract for advocacy services as the demand is anticipated to be low until the disability benefits are rolled out.

The procurement exercise was therefore stopped, and a new procurement exercise will be run with service commencement to coincide with the introduction of Scottish disability benefits.

Three bids were received from Citizens Advice Scotland; Money Matters and Voiceability.

The Scottish Government did not have a forecast of the numbers expected to be recruited prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Under normal circumstances, the level of recruitment activities can vary significantly, with the range of monthly recruitment before the lockdown being between 160 to 200 posts within core Scottish Government, its Executive Agencies and Non-ministerial Offices filled by external recruitment. The focus since the outbreak has been on ensuring that Covid-19 related priorities are resourced.

Personal independence payment appeals are currently conducted by HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) and are subject to their equality and diversity policies. The Scottish Government welcomes any operational steps taken by HMCTS to promote inclusive communication during, and beyond, the COVID-19 crisis.

When the SCTS assumes responsibility for Personal Independent Payment appeals, it will be a matter for the Chamber President, in consultation with SCTS, to decide upon the most appropriate methods to ensure inclusive communications in line with this commitment. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) is committed to developing a culture where equality and diversity are firmly established.