PIP called back

suzanne54321

Hi, new here. 
I had a pip assessment for PTSD and mobility at the begining if December. 
My form hadn't been sent to DWP by this Wednesday so I called them. The assessor office said it was at audit and they needed to clarify a few things before sending over to the DWP. I have just received the call and they wanted to know about my job. I'm currently off and WFH prior to being off with reduced workload and no face to face contact with anyone. They also asked if I intended to stay off sick which is an odd question. She was nice and said that she was going to get the assessment finished off and sent over to DWP today. 
I also recorded my assessment covertly in December after reading others awful experiences with the assessors telling lies. I haven't told them I recorded. 
My questions are
1) is it unusual for a second phone call
2) is it unusual they are very focused on my job
3) once I get the notification from that the DWP have the report can I then ask for a copy 
3) if I'm not successful and find the report is not a true reflection of what happened when should I disclose I have an audio recording of the assessment, would this be at MT or tribunal stage? 
4) will they inform my work that I am claiming PIP

Albus_Scope

Hiya @suzanne54321 and a big welcome to the community! 

I can't answer some of your questions, but I'm sure some of our wonderful regulars will be able to help.  But with regard to recording calls, I've taken this quote from the DWP assessors training manual;

"A claimant can record calls, but it should not be done without your consent. If you suspect a call is being recorded, you can ask the claimant the reasons for this to determine if you will continue with the call."

But lawfully, you can't record a telephone conversation without informing the other party if you plan on playing said recording to a third party. So legally you now cannot use the call as evidence. 

The DWP will not notify your work, as PIP is not related to if you work or not. 

suzanne54321

Hi@Albus_Scope

Thanks for your reply. 
After reading discussions on here they said you could record. I have had the audio transcription completed as a back up. So what you saying is that because I didn't inform the assessor I would be unable to use the transcript?  

poppy123456

1/ Sometimes they do call again if they have any further questions to ask.

2/ They may ask if you work. Although PIP isn’t about your ability to work if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you’re claiming PIP then it may go against you.

3/ You can request a copy of the report but please remember that it’s not the decision. It’s a recommendation only. Whilst they mostly go with it, it has been known for them to go against it. It can also cause a lot more needless stress and anxiety, even if the report shows in your favour. 

4/ You can record an assessment without telling them. However, you can only use the recording for your purposes. 

The assessment process is there for them to gather more evidence to support your claim. Not for them to write what you said verbatim. It will be their opinion based on everything you wrote in the form, any extra evidence you sent and what you said during the assessment. 

If you do need to challenge the decision you should focus on where and why you think you should have scored those points. Not on the assessment report because doing so will not get you a PIP award.

suzanne54321

Thanks @poppy123456,

Yes it was very strange as my original assessor really focused on my work and wanted to know all the reduced workload I did. The second lady wanted to know if I was still off work and if I was going to continue to be off work, then followed up saying she wanted to clarify that prior before being off sick the sort of jobs I was doing. I reiterated what I had told the previous assessor. 
In regards to the recording, yes it is for my reference but should I need it am I able to use it at the MR point or Tribunal or am I ever allowed to use it??
Also that's for the advice on the assessors report, I am waiting for this and will not see it as the final report, I wanted to request it prior to decision to not slow down the MR process should I need to appeal as I habe read that it can delay. 

suzanne54321

Hi everyone

I have had the assessors report         ( requested Monday arrived Thursday)
The report looks good enhanced on both recommended, some small things I don't agree with but I can also understand the rational behind some of it. I think as hard as it is emotion needs taking out of it. 
All I need to do now is wait for the DM to make their decision and I am fully prepared that they may not agree with the recommendations made by the assessor. 
I will post again when the decision has been made. 

suzanne54321

Timeline
9th October requested pip form via email
9th October received via email
18th October returned form
22 December phone assessment
3rd January phoned and informed that chosen at random for audit
12th January 2nd call from assessors
15th January DWP received report
15th January called DWP requested pip report
18th January received requested report