A Citizens Advice report work makes for interesting reading. 'Found anything yet? Exploring the relationship between Universal Credit claimants and their work coaches' found-
work coaches- 'the majority are passionate about helping People'
Key barriers to positive relationships-
...work coaches are managing high workloads and aff
...lack time a
nd training to provide meaningful support.
...many claimants feel their meetings were simply a ‘tick box’ exercise.
...Digital exclusion is a signifcant and persistent issue for some claimants, as are language barriers and a lack of timely access to translation services.
...The threat of sanctions can also be a signifcant barrier.
Work Coach Discretion-
Too often, our advisers help people who have been asked to meet inappropriate conditions, such as being asked to look for work when they aren’t well enough. Increased discretion should therefore go hand in hand with greater safeguarding and oversight, to ensure that work coach discretion is always applied appropriately.
Training needs-
We welcome the government’s plans to launch a new coaching academy, focused on goal setting and action planning. It is vital that this training includes communication skills such as active listening. A focus on actively building positive working relationships would upskill work coaches and foster an improved working culture.
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