Accreditation for Decision Makers – Professionalism in Decision Making and Appeals

As part of our commitment to customer service, DCS is introducing Professionalism in Decision Making and Appeals (PIDMA).

PIDMA is an innovative programme of accreditation and continuous professional development for our Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance decision makers and their specialist managers.

Through PIDMA, DCS will raise the standards of decision making by improving the quality and consistency of decisions, supported by nationally recognised standards of excellence.

PIDMA is a modular work-based learning programme, leading to accreditation. The programme has been developed in partnership with the University of Chester and is linked to the University’s Higher Education awards.

A key element of the programme is developing the critical thinking of decision makers and their managers by reflecting on their decision making practice, experience and learning in the work place.

Skills developed include the gathering and evaluating of disability related evidence, critical evaluation of evidence, contemporary impairment awareness and customer service. There is also a focus on leadership for the managers.

External partners and stakeholders, including disability organisations, have been involved in the development of the programme to ensure it is focused on the customer.

PIDMA is being introduced following successful piloting of the accreditation scheme and the work-based learning programme in December 2006.

We are talking to a number of national disability organisations about evaluation of PIDMA.