The two part Making Appeals Work training, provided by benefits specialists and author Mark Perlic supported by fellow welfare rights worker and author Keely Gabriel, is now available for members to view online.
The training focuses on appeals relating to disability benefits, but the knowledge and techniques it provides are applicable to any appeal.
Among the issues covered are:
- the role of the First-tier Tribunal, representative and Presenting Officer
- what things may and may not constitute evidence
- tribunal’s use of ‘on the day’ observations
- the approach to conflicting evidence
- adverse decision - when an existing award may be reduced or removed
- submission writing - good practice
Rather than tell you more ourselves, we’ll let some of the professionals and claimants who attended the training give you their verdict:
“Absolutely brilliant session, thank you so much for the opportunity to learn more and for us to be able to access this course with no fee. A fantastic resource, and it's so important to share this kind of specialist knowledge.”
“I thought Mark and Keely set the pace really well and made it all very relateable and took a little fear out of the process for me.”
“It was a level at which people who have no understanding of Tribunal process could follow but also, helpful to people who represent claimants.”
“Fantastic use of key case law, regulations and information/ tips!”
“Explaining the law and understanding the process helps manage anxiety as our date is very soon.”
“Excellent training, really thankful to have the opportunity to attend this training to help myself and others, i found it really informative and helpful.”
“Excellent delivery by Mark who is so knowledgeable. It was really informative and I learned so much! Many thanks.”
“Brilliant and informative thank you.”
“Thank you brilliant training, as ever Mark is amazing, shame he is retiring!”
“Clear and well explained.”
“The trainer had an easy going manner and was very engaging.”
Members can watch the training videos in the Appeals section of the PIP Guides page.
