Armed Forces Champions in Jobcentres 2022-02-07
2022-02-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to support veterans and other members of the armed forces community in finding employment.
What progress is being made by the work of armed forces champions in jobcentres. The scheme aims to ensure that veterans' talents are recognised and they can move quickly on to their next step after service.
In April 2021, we updated the offer in our jobcentres, boosting our network of armed forces champions to 50, supported by 11 area leads. They are focused on providing key support to veterans and other members of the armed forces community.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for veterans in constituencies such as the Scottish Borders to access support provided by their district armed forces champion.
Can she confirm that veterans in my constituency, whether they attend a jobcentre in Hawick, Galashiels or Eyemouth, will be able to access the support offered by their district armed forces champion. The question seeks clarity on the availability of this support across different locations within a constituency.
Yes, I can confirm that they will. The great work that is being done by our DWP armed forces champions in my hon. Friend's constituency is playing out, for example, in how the local champion from High Riggs jobcentre has already been working with the local council to secure bus passes for veterans.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question focuses on delivering the champions scheme effectively to support a growing armed forces community, especially regarding RAF Waddington and the Royal Anglian Regiment.
With Lincoln and Lincolnshire continuing to have a growing armed forces community—delivering the champions scheme along with other important parts of the armed forces covenant is important to my constituents. What more can be done in respect of the scheme to signpost veterans to these services?
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. In Lincoln, the armed forces champion is already receiving good feedback in their role. They work with several councils and local homeless veterans to make sure that those veterans get suitable housing. They are also helping claimants who are veterans back into work, using the flexible support fund and working with local employers and employment agencies.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights concerns about the reduction in funded full-time posts compared to previous promises.
In theory this should be an excellent initiative, but the Minister will know that the previous veterans action plan promised to increase the number of Jobcentre Plus Armed Forces Champions and District Leads from around 45 unfunded, part-time posts. That is not happening, so how can the Minister claim to be supporting the work of armed forces champions while cutting the number of paid posts?
We have a new model of 11 armed forces champion leads across the DWP districts. We are working with armed forces champions and the covenant locally. With covid, some of this upskilling and these add-ons were paused, but we are absolutely committed to making sure that our veterans get the best service at DWP.
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Assessment & feedback
The reduction in funded full-time posts
With Covid, Some Of This Upskilling And These Add-Ons Were Paused
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question deals with security issues affecting ex-soldiers in Northern Ireland and the need to address these.
What discussions have taken place with the Minister or with jobcentres in Northern Ireland to ensure that veterans in Northern Ireland can access these services?
Universal credit now has an identifier to help us enhance support for all our claimants who may have a veteran background. Many people do not declare that background and can be working with us for a long time before they recognise that it needs to be understood.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific security measures or discussions on the issue
Universal Credit Now Has An Identifier
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