The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 26 April 2007:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question pursuant to the answer of 15th January 2007, Official Report, column 898W, on mental health asking what was MIND’s conclusions on quality assurance for the Condition or Disability training product. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Jobcentre Plus works with a range of partners including MIND in the development of training materials to support the implementation of the Jobcentre Plus Incapacity Benefit Adviser role. The ‘Working with Customers with a Health Condition or Disability’ training product was developed for staff and sent to MIND for their quality assurance prior to release. On this occasion MIND did not provide any comments or suggestions to the development of this product, however Mencap did respond and we took their comments into consideration.
I hope this is helpful.