Had a paper based assessment. I rang. They couldn't say what the outcome is but, that I'd be happy

If they can see the award they usually tell you. As they couldn't tell you suggests they couldn't see it, therefore i have no idea how they know. Although i've never known anyone be refused with a paper based assessment.

I can only assume that was the assessment report he was looking at and that's not the decision, it's a recommendation and becomes part of your evidence that decision maker will look at.