dwpeople sept 2008 complete magazine

SEPTEMBER 2008

dwpeopleThe right pathHelping customers into employement

Cash back Benefit cheats broughtto justice

Life in plastic This month’s hobby ischild’s play

100 not out State pensionscelebrate a century of servingsenior citizens

Your DWP staff magazine

DWPeople_September_2008:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd 10/07/2008 15:18

Working for wellbeingHow staff at BoltonJobcentre Plus are staying healthy

Contents

News in BriefNews from across theDepartment

Pathways to WorkHelping customers intoemployment

Leading the wayHow DWP’s leaders aremaking a difference

Rhys rememberedFriends and family takepart in charity run

Gaining insightHow DWP is working toimprove customer service

Puzzled by pensions Are you ready forretirement?

Happy 100th birthdayDWP state pensioncelebrations

Busted!No excuses – Busted!brings fraudsters to justice

04

06

10

12

14

QuizzesMore chances to win26

DWPeople – While every effort is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers, DWP cannot accept any liability. The acceptance of advertisements does notimply recommendation by DWP. The advertising for DWPeople is managed by Landmark Publishing Services, 2 Windmill Street, London W1T 2HX. Tel: 0207692 9292. All locations in DWP should receive enough copies of DWPeople to share around.

Back for more Leigh Lewis returns to the floor

LettersStaff views on everythingfrom history to time travel

Straight to the pointYour welfare questionsanswered

Living DollHobby of the month is child’s play17

11 23

18

16

08

07

20


Someone to watch over youTHE new DWP NightWatchman systemis helping the Department becomemore sustainable by automaticallyturning off PCs earlier in the evening at 9.30pm.

Head of Sustainable DevelopmentRichard Fountain said: “This change to the NightWatchman system willcreate vital energy savings.

“However, staff should still make sure they shut down their PC and turn off their monitor when they

leave at the end of the day, as this is the best way of helping us reduceenergy consumption.”

For any staff working past 9.30pm the system won’t automatically shutdown while they are working – theywill have the option to tell the software to shut their computer down later.

Read more about SustainableDevelopment at: http://intralink/1/corp/sites/finance/ced/sustdev/index.asp4 | dwpeople | September 2008

News in Brief

RESULTS from the second annual ITand telephony survey show a varyingpicture for staff over the last year.

The survey follows the replacement ofmuch of DWP’s IT infrastructure overthe past two years. The results showthis has had a positive effect on staff’sexperience of IT – with 74 per centsaying they think IT provides effectivesupport for their job.

On the downside, satisfaction with theperformance of some IT applicationsused by many staff is still not as high as it should be.

Learn more about Lean

FIND out more about Lean in Lean Lite, the new e-bulletin.

To read the latest copy visit the DWPintranet A-Z and select Lean.

Reducing emissions

A NEW report from the Office ofGovernment Commerce has shownthat DWP is doing well to reducecarbon emissions.

Read an overview of the report at:www.ogc.gov.uk/About_ogc_news_8572

Changes to optional software requests

OPTIONAL software for desktops orlaptops should now be requested by completing an OAA30 form.

Access the form at: http://intralink/1/corp/sites/psd/service_delivery/guidance/fllsguidance/forms/dwp_t410531.doc

Resource Managementchanges for line managers

THE process on Resource Management(RM) has changed for line managerswhen a member of staff leaves DWP.

Read more about the changes:http://intralink/home/news/headlines/2008q3/20080731_employee_leaver.asp

Gearing up for the Olympics

THE Olympic torch has been handed over to Great Britain – signalling thestart of London’s official preparations for the 2012 Games.

DWP is now stepping up its plans tomake sure employees and volunteers are in place to support the Games.

More information is available onJobcentre Plus’s Olympics intranet site.Visit Jobcentre Plus A-Z and selectOlympic Games 2012.

IT Director General Joe Harley says:“I’d like to thank everyone whocompleted the survey. I take yourviews seriously and will use them totarget IT and telephony improvementsthat will make your jobs easier.”

Find out more about the IT andtelephony survey:http://intralink/1/corp/sites/psd/centre/headline_news/dwp_t408519.asp

Making ITbetter

THE DWPeople teamwant to know what youthink about themagazine.

Whether it’s a feature you liked or loathed,something you’d like tosee in the future or just ageneral comment aboutanything at all – why notwrite in about it?

All staff need to do to gettheir points heard is email:[email protected].

As an incentive DWPeopleis offering a £15 Marks &Spencer voucher for eachmonth’s star letter.

Let your fingers do thetalking and let us reward you.

Letters reward you


News in Brief

Do you have any news for inclusionin DWPeople? Email your [email protected]

One time only

A NEW set of awards have beenlaunched to recognise team andindividual excellence across DWP.

The Excellence Awards are based onthe four departmental values. Therewill be individual prizes for ‘RespectingPeople’, ‘Making a Difference’ and‘Looking Outwards’, and a team titlefor ‘Achieving the Best’. There will alsobe a volunteers category.

Permanent Secretary Leigh Lewis said: “Everyday members of our staff provide outstanding services,advice and support to customers all

over thecountry to our partnerorganisationsand to eachother. It istime as aDepartmentthat we celebrate our excellence.”

If you know anyone whosededication to helping people andserving DWP deserves special praise,why not nominate them? Keep aneye on Headline News for details ofhow to enter the Excellence Awards.

September 2008 | dwpeople | 5

TELL US ONCE is a new cross-government programme hosted by DWP.

It looks at the feasibility of customersbeing able to inform central and localGovernment just once when they have a change of circumstance such as birth, bereavement and change of address.

The programme aims to develop aservice that will fit in with existingprocesses and re-use establishedinfrastructure such as IS/IT systems.

The Tell Us Once team are currently

running four pilotstogetherwith localauthorities,HMRC,DWP andothergovernment departments.

From October these will extend toregional Pathfinders, covering morethan three million people across the country.

Look out for more updates about TellUs Once in future issues of DWPeople.

THE annual Lifeboat Appeal needs yourhelp to collect donations from acrossDWP this autumn.

The Lifeboat Fund supports the work ofthe Royal National Lifeboat Institution(RNLI) and is the official charity of theCivil Service.

The RNLI are dedicated to saving lives at sea around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Leigh Lewis has thrown his full supportbehind this year’s campaign. He said:“For more than 100 years we as CivilServants have been helping the LifeboatFund to save lives. I hope DWP staff willcontinue this support.”

Nick Cheetham of Corporate IT’sStrategy and Architecture team is co-ordinating this year’s appeal.

Staff who would like to help the fundand raise the money to provide newlifeboats and fund crew training canemail Nick at: [email protected].

Donate across DWP

Get ready for Older People’s DayLOOK out for the next issue of DWPeople, which will include a special section on Older People’s Day.

The Department has organised a series of exciting events to mark the day on 1 October.

Staff, customers and voluntary groupswill all be out in force to celebrate therole older people play in society.

As DWP’s official staff magazine,DWPeople will be there to capture all the news and staff stories from the day.

We could be heroes


6 | dwpeople | September 2008

T HE RIG HTPA T H

PATHWAYS to Work first became available in a small number of districts in 2003, helping todeliver support for people claiming incapacitybenefits.

In April it became available across the whole of England, Scotland and Wales, and now delivers tailored support and help to people who need financial, employment and health advice across the country.

And from October, the introduction of theEmployment and Support Allowance (ESA), will follow on from Pathways in its approach to helping customers.

ESA is a key part of plans to reform and simplifythe benefit system.

It looks at what customers can do, instead of whatthey can’t, and concentrates on providing supportthat is built around the customer’s individual needs.

DWPeople spoke to some of the customers that Pathways to Work has already helped back into employment.

The Pathways to Work service has alreadyhelped more than 64,000 people back into work. DWPeople takes a closer look at the success stories

YEARS on benefits left Richard with a lack of confidence in being able to find a job. After receiving help from TinaBannon, a disability employment adviser at WolverhamptonJobcentre Plus, Richard got a job working as a kitchen porter in a nearby pub.

Tina put Richard, who has learning disabilities, in touch withthe Pathways to Work programme. Tina says: “Richard hasgained confidence and is an inspiration to others in moving off benefits and into work. He is already going from strengthto strength in his new job, and we wish him every success forthe future.”

Richard says: “Since I started at the Bradmore Arms myconfidence has gone up in leaps and bounds. I’m working hardand getting on well with everyone. I’d like to thank Tina forhelping me find a job that I really wanted and enjoy doing. Mylife has changed so much. If I can do it, anyone can!”

Richard Mckenzie

AFTER years of claiming Incapacity Benefit, AnnaRayner found help through the Pathways to Workprogramme. Finding that alternative therapieshelped to cure her stress-related illness, she visitedthe disability employment adviser at her localJobcentre Plus who introduced her to the Pathwaysto Work scheme.

Anna has made incredible progress, gaining therelevant qualifications and experience she needed tofind a job, and even starting her own business.

Anna says: "I was able to access courses in my areaand gained confidence working as a voluntary Reiki practitioner. The additional support I havereceived from them has been invaluable in givingme the determination and information to forgeahead as an entrepreneur.”

Anna Rayner

Read a detailed summary of ESA in the Directorates section of theJobcentre Plus intranet site.

Pathways

Richard and Tina and his friends at the Bradmore Arms



Leading the wayWINSTON Churchill, NelsonMandela and Gandhi are justsome of the names that spring to mind when talking about great leaders.

But what defines great leadership?Lots of philosophers andconsultants claim to have in-depthknowledge of what it takes tobecome an outstanding leader, butthere is one quality that stands outfrom the rest – the ability to makeeveryone around you better.

This is a difficult skill to master, but DWP’s Making a Differenceprogramme has been introduced totake on the challenge and help theDepartment’s first line and middlemanagers become great leaders.

The programme focuses on helping leaders acquire the skills and confidence to work better withtheir teams, and starts with a one-day launch event.

DWP Organisational CapabilityDirector, Jerry Arnott launched the first

pilot event. He said: “People are key inthe success of any organisation, and it’sleaders who influence the direction ofthe Department.

“We recognised that we needed togive this opportunity to the peoplewho drive our organisation – so thatthey can shape and develop thosearound them. That is the purpose andpower of this event.”

During the first pilot staff watched‘Flood’, a multi-part play looking atdifferent types of management styles in DWP. Actors took on the roles ofdifferent fictional leaders and stafffrom across the Department’s

businesses and corporatecentre. They explored howdifferent styles can impact onmorale and performance. Staffwere then given the opportunityto influence the characters andimprove their overallperformance.

There were also lots ofopportunities for staff to sharetheir views and opinions on allaspects of their ways of workingand leadership including takingpart in interactive voting.

Pat Wall from Work, Welfare andEquality Group in London took partin the day. He said: “I’d beenhoping that a leadershipprogramme appropriate to my gradewould be introduced, so when I sawthe email for nominees to take partin the event I jumped at the chance.

“I was very impressed by the thoughtthat had gone into the day and howit was tailored around us as leaders. Itmade a lot of sense and gave me a lotto think about in my role as a leader.”

Laura Turvey hears how DWP is helping leaders make a difference for their teams

Leadership

Leigh Lewis speaking at the event

Actors bring the leadership styles to life


Welfare


Catherine Chan puts your welfare reform questions to the experts

DWP’S latest welfare reform plans have caused quite a stir, appearing in every major newspaper and TV news programme across the UK.

Staff have been just as keen to findout more about the Green Paper andhow the proposals will affect them.

In the last issue of DWPeople (picturedbelow), staff were invited to send intheir questions about welfare reform.

DWPeople put them to the experts:Chris Burston from the Work, Welfare and Equality Group and Maria Doust from Jobcentre Plus’sBenefit Reform team.

As featured in July’s DWPeople

Points of view THE Department’s ministers areholding a series of visits to talk tostaff about the welfare reform plans.

The regional events give staff thechance to tell ministers what theythink and to find out how the planscould affect their work.

No topic is off limits. Debates havealready included the need for moreaffordable childcare and how to tackle

entire families who think it’sacceptable to stay on benefits.

Here’s what staff thought of MinisterStephen Timms’ visit to the North-East:

Nichola Burt,Newcastle Contact Centre

“It’s not every day you get to

DWP wants to get more parents into

work. What are we doing about

childcare?

The media has saidcustomers

will need to work fortheir benefits.

How will this work?

Every Jobcentre Plus district also has achildcare partnership manager thatworks with the centres.

Chris: Since 1997, more than £21billion has been invested in childcare.

By 2010, there will be 3,500 children’scentres across England and theGovernment wants every school to bean extended school by 2010 withlonger opening hours.

Chris: We’re planning to pilot thisscheme with customers who havebeen on Jobseeker’s Allowance formore than two years.

They’ll be required to work full time,and DWP will work with providers to make sure everyone is supervisedand supported.

For these customers, many of whom haveserious barriers to finding work, this willbe a valuable chance to get workexperience and develop new skills.

Maria: Other countries, such as theUSA, have run similar schemes and we’llbe learning from their experiences.

More online: Chapter two of the Green Paper – “Work for your benefit”

Maria: Nationally, there’s a lot of workgoing on with children’s centres tohelp parents get support in thecommunity.

Straight to the point



Maria: Jobcentre Plus remains at theheart of our services and I definitelyagree that our advisers are world class!

However, we have to tailor services tomeet customer needs. This may involveworking with private and voluntarygroups who can offer more help.

Again this is a minority group, eitherlong-term customers or those whoneed specialist support because they’ve got more barriers to work.

Chris: I agree too – Jobcentre Plus has won international acclaim for its success in delivering cutting edge services to thousands ofcustomers every week. This isn’t about taking work away fromJobcentre Plus.

It’s about making our services even better, for example by workingwith other groups to meet local needs or provide specialist services for customers particular requirements.

scheme for customers to developwork-related skills. We’re looking atwhether this can be replicated with the Premier League.

Chris: Regardless of age, we knowthat skills are important for the jobprospects of our customers.

We’re introducing skills checks forcustomers and bringing in skillsaccounts, which will help them to fund training. We’re also developinga careers service, which could belocated within jobcentres.

More online: Chapter two of the Green Paper – “Work Skills” onwards.

Staff still have time to give theirviews on the Green Paper. [email protected] or comment via Speak Up on theJobcentre Plus intranet homepage

meet the people who are leading thechanges across the Department.

“I was especially keen to find out moreabout how we’re going to encouragepartners to look for work.

“I think that if someone is able towork, they don’t have a right to stayon benefits.

“This is the first time I’ve been involved

“I was really impressed that theMinister listened to everyone’s views.

“I think the event was an opportunityfor him to learn from the shop floor, so to speak.

“I was pleased that I got to have mysay. Hopefully change can come fromsessions like this because it’s staff thatreally know the businesses.”

in a Green Paper consultation and the whole experience has been very interesting.”

TimothyOxnard,StocktonBenefitDelivery Centre

“The event was tremendous!

How can we help youngpeople get the right skills

and avoid a life on benefits?

Maria: Personal safety is a major issue for Jobcentre Plus staff and it’s a tiny percentage of customers whoare violent or disruptive.

We’ve already got procedures in place for banning violent customers.However, this also means they can’taccess our services.

We’re currently looking at othersanctions, such as stopping theirbenefits for a week.

More online: Chapter two of the GreenPaper – “A stronger sanctions regime”

Maria: There are schemes for youngpeople – for example 16 Scottishfootball clubs have joined up to run a

GO ONLINE:The Green Paper

“No one written off:reforming welfare toreward responsibility”

is available atwww.dwp.gov.uk/noonewrittenoff

Will DWP ban violent or disruptivecustomers?

Welfare

The Green Paper saysJobcentre Plus is world class

but we need to work more with private and voluntary

groups. What’s going on?


WELLBEING is the buzzword of themoment, and staying fit and healthyhas shot to the top of many people’spriority lists.

Staff at Jobcentre Plus Bolton arejoining together to take positive stepsto lead a healthy lifestyle with theirWellbeing Focus Group.

Members of the group meet every sixweeks to discuss enjoyable ways tostay healthy, happy and relaxed.

Barbara Hunt, who is the manager ofthe Jobcentre, attends the meetingwith 11 people, representing morethan 150 staff.

The group was set up in December2007, and kicked off in January thisyear to coincide with the post-Christmas rush for all things healthy.

Barbara says: “It brought peopletogether from different parts of theoffice. Everyone has been so positiveand enthusiastic about it. At the firstmeeting the group was bursting withideas of what to do. We could havebeen here for a couple of days goingthrough them all!

“Originally it was called the ManagingAttendance Focus Group, but we feltthat wasn’t reflective of the true aims ofthe group so the name was changed tothe Wellbeing Focus Group.”

It brought the officetogether. Because we’reon different floors,quite often we don’tget to see the otherpeople on each team.

“


Health

WO

RK

ING

FOR WE

LL

BEING

Staff at Jobcentre Plus Bolton are enjoying the fruits of their labourafter leading the way with the first DWP Wellbeing Focus Group

Notice boards were put in the canteenwith recipes for staff to refer to,including family meals for less than fivepounds from Sainsbury’s. Wellbeingreminders were also put on the board,including tips from remembering todrink enough water to sun safety andhealthy foods to eat.

One member of staff researched theprices of different types of fruit,checking the cost at the market acrossthe road from our office.

She produced a list of the fruits thatwere on offer and how much theycost. Staff even contacted the localcollege to find out how much differentwellbeing treatments cost.

Shahida Muhammad, a financial accessorat the Jobcentre Plus, says: “We also hada Fruit Festival, which was one of themost successful things we’ve done. Weasked members of staff to bring in somefruit that you might not eat on aneveryday basis. Staff enjoyed tryingsomething they may not have had thechance to try before.”

Staff at the Jobcentre have kept upthe good work. Drawers are piledhigh with fruit, alarm clocks are beingset an hour early for some staffmembers to exercise before the daybegins and there are smiles all roundas improved health, moral andteamwork have created an invaluablesense of wellbeing.

We have so muchchoice of fruit andvegetables we canbuy. We have amarket that’s justacross the roadfrom the Jobcentrethat sells lots ofexotic fruits.

“

””Anne Pearson – personal adviser

We put up a notice board withhealthy recipes, as well as thegroup’s contact names.“

”Joanne Stubbs – customer support officer

Dotty Snelson – customer service manager

For tips and advice on health and wellbeingvisit the wellbeing portal at: http://intralink/1/corp/sites/employeebenefits/wellbeing/index.asp

Staff at Jobcentre Plus Bolton reach for wellbeing


Charity


Run for RhysRUN for Rhys, which took place inCroxteth Hall Country Park on 14September, saw people from all overthe country take part in a 5km runto raise money for the LiverpoolUnites campaign.

The campaign, which is run by theLiverpool Echo newspaper, aims toshow that Merseyside’s residentswon’t tolerate gun crime.

Money raised will go towardsbuilding a youth centre in Croxteth,Liverpool, where 11-year-old RhysJones was shot dead when walkinghome from football practice inAugust 2007.

The tragedy of Rhys’s murder hasechoed through Britain ever since.His image has become a symbol ofhow innocent lives are taken in thegun culture that has swept acrossparts of the country’s youth.

Rhys’s family and friends remember him as the friendly and energeticboy that he was. His five closestfriends, who he met on his first day of nursery school, share theirmemories of Rhys on a website they set up to celebrate his life and emphasise their message:

join a team, not a gang.

Rose Rigby, the mother of Rhys’sfriend James Rigby, who works inCorporate IT Service Delivery forDWP, says: “The Liverpool Unitescampaign is looking to raise£100,000 to build a youth centre.

“They want to call it the Rhys JonesMemorial Youth Centre so that hisname can live on in the communityand encourage young people to usethe sporting facilities instead ofhanging around and potentiallygetting involved crime.

“A concert was also held on 15August. There were lots of bignames in attendance, including TonyChristie, Richard Fleeshman andBarbara Dickson. The boys wereasked to go up on stage and accepta cheque on behalf of the LiverpoolUnites campaign.

“I think the boys are really bravegetting up in front of thousands ofpeople. Last October they helped kickoff the Liverpool Unites campaign.They went onto the pitch at GoodisonPark – home ground of EvertonFootball club – in front of morethan 40,000 people.

“They’re strong lads and they dothings that would terrify mostadults, but because it’s for Rhys theytake a deep breath and go for it.They want their friend to beremembered and want to helpmake Liverpool a better place.”

Rhys’s friends and family are nowlooking forward. They can’t wait forthe youth centre to be built, so thatthe kids around Croxteth can beencouraged to spend their free time the way Rhys did – playingfootball, enjoying friendships andstaying out of trouble.

Find out about Liverpool Unites andRun for Rhys at:www.runforrhys.org.uk

A year after his murder, the memory of Rhys Jones builds hope for his community

Donate to the Rhys Jones Memorial Fund by going to www.lcvs.org.uk

Fun run: Rhys’s friends honour his memory

For advice and support on a rangeof issues, including bereavement,contact the Employee AssistanceProgramme (EAP), provided byRight Corecare. They’re availableany time of day or night, free ofcharge and in complete confidence.For the Counselling, Advice andInformation helpline call 0800652 3304, or go to:www.dwp.rightcorecare.co.uk


ONE way or another – we’ve allexperienced it – whether it’s themiserable shop assistant, the stroppy waiter or the disinterestedtour guide, bad service can really put a dampener on your day.

But it’s the times when you’redelighted by really great customerservice or surprised when someonegoes the extra mile for you that really stand out and make you feel good.

Achieving this level of customer service is part of DWP’s bold ambition to make sure it achieves itsDepartmental Strategic Objectives.

One of these is to make DWP anexemplar of effective service delivery


Feature

Gaining insightLaura Turvey finds out how the Customer Insight team is helping DWP improve customer service

and the DWP Customer Insight team are working hard to help theDepartment understand the level of service customers expect.

DWP Customer Insight directorKatherine Courtney said: “Customerinsight is about thinking like a customer,understanding their experience andputting yourself in their shoes.

“Policies, strategy, service delivery and communications that are basedon insight are much more likely to ring true with the customer andsuccessfully influence their responsesand behaviour.

“Insight into the people we are trying to reach should informeverything we do in DWP and

there are already many good examples where customers are being effectively engaged across the Department.”

Customer Insight is already beingapplied across the businesses withpositive results and benefits for staff and customers.

Find out more abouthow the centralCustomer Insight teamare supporting theseapproaches in futureeditions of DWPeople.



Feature

Local customer insight

JULIA Kury works within the MarchesDistrict Customer Insight team thatwas set up to drive customer insightwork forward on a local level.

Julia said: “Our team is made up ofvarious staff from across the district.We all share a common desire to find out more about our customers in order to improve their experience and our performance.

“Due to the ever-growing diversecustomer base we are dealing with, wecan no longer be driven by a one-sizefits all approach. We want to find outmore about our customers’ differentneeds, especially regarding access andinformation requirements.

“We collect feedback from customersas they go through all the commonDWP processes, for example Flexible

New Deal and Pathways, so that wecan create a customer journey map tohelp identify where we can makeimprovements.”

“From here we need to do more toinform staff and get them on board.Along with Lean, this will really embedCustomer Insight into our business andhelp us achieve even higher levels ofcustomer service.”

For more information about customer insight visit theCustomer Insight website: http://intralink/1/corp/sites/customerinsight/index.asp

PETER Brown is from the Customer Insight

team in Stockton. He said: “Through my work

in Customer Insight I’ve been responsible for

involving customers in a range of projects to

develop our customer understanding.

“Working with the Change Programme, we

looked at the move from working-age benefits

to pensioner benefits and the experience a

customer who turns 60 or 65 gets as they

move from Jobcentre Plus to the Pension,

Disability and Carers Service.“

The feedback Peter collected from

staff and customers was used by the

Change Programme to develop a

revised and simplified process that

makes the move from working-age

benefits to pensioner benefits simpler.

The team then went back to the same people

they interviewed originally to discuss the

planned changes and find out if this would

address their issues.

Peter added: “Customers were very

enthusiastic about the changes and thought it

was something they would definitely like to

see put into practice.

“As a result high-level plans have been drawn

up to take the project forward and begin

implementing the changes.”

The move from working to pensions

Case study



Pensions

Puzzled by pensions?

IT’S a common assumption – if you work at the Departmentfor Work and Pensions, youmust know a thing or two about saving for retirement.

But with new reforms on the way, it can be difficult to keep up with changes while doing the day job.

DWPeople speaks to threemembers of staff to find outhow the State Pension reformsare going to affect them…

Catherine Chan finds out if DWP’sown staff are gearedup for retirement

Nearing retirement with caring responsibilities

“I’m planning on taking partial retirement in about 18 months.I’ve decided to do this because I’ve also got responsibilitiesoutside work – I’m a carer for my elderly mother.

“If these carer credits had been introduced earlier, it wouldhave made a massive difference to my family. My wife had to effectively give up work to look after my mother.

“I’m pleased that carers will get more helpwith their State Pensions in the future.”

Name: Ken BurnsLocation: North Shields Jobcentre Plus The big news for Ken: From 6 April 2010, carers who spend at least 20 hours a weeklooking after a severely disabled person(s) may receive weekly National Insurance credits.

The working mum

Name: Emma DavisLocation: Whitley Bay Jobcentre PlusThe big news for Emma: From 6 April2010, parents getting Child Benefit forchildren under 12 may receive weeklyNational Insurance credits. These willreplace the Home ResponsibilitiesProtection scheme, which currently helpsparents protect their State Pension.

“I’ve got two children, aged three and 16. Sowhen these credits come in, I’ll only get them formy youngest one.

“The best thing about the change is that it’sautomatic. If you’re already claiming Child Benefit,you don’t need to do anything to get the credits.

“Like a lot of people, I should think more aboutsaving for retirement but that’s hard to do whenyou have children. You’re more inclined to thinkabout the mortgage and making sure your childrenhave got everything they need.

“You tend to put yourself at the back of the queue so any help with my State Pension will be welcomed.”

Going upThe State Pension age is currently 60

for women.

Between 2010 and 2020 it will gradually rise to 65, the same

as for men.

By 2046, it will be 68 for everyone.



Pensions

State Pension age but going strong

Name: Alma RichardsonLocation: North Shields Jobcentre Plus The big news for Alma: From 2010, everyone will

need 30 qualifying years to receive a full State Pension. Currently, men need 44 years and women need 39.

“I’ve been at the Department for 49 years but I took a break fromwork to have a family.

“I think it’s great that the number of qualifying years is coming downbecause that means more parents will be able to reach that target.

“Before I reached 60, I got a pension forecast from The Pension Serviceso I knew roughly what I was going to get.

“I enjoy working. I’ve scaled down my hours to three days per week butI’m simply not ready to retire.”

Information aboutState Pensions� Visit the pensions

reform intranet site – find it in the A-Z on the DWP intranet

� Visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk to find out when you will reach State Pension Age and how much you can expect to receive

Information aboutCivil Service pensions

� Find out more atwww.civilservice-pensions.gov.uk


Cover story

Look out for October’s DWPeople,which includes a special sectioncelebrating Older People’s Day (1 October).

DWP staff and customers have been celebrating a special milestone –State Pensions were introduced 100 years ago.

Back in 1908, older people had to reach 70 before claiming their firstpension. Not an easy task in its own right, as life expectancy was 49 for men and 53 for women.

To receive a pension, older people had to have an income of less than 26pounds and five shillings per year. They also needed to pass a ‘charactertest’ – if someone hadn’t worked enough or had been in prison, theyreceived nothing from the scheme.

Happy 00th birthday!

Jane Whittington from The Pension Servicein East Sussex meets Beatrice Hurlock, 100

Any excuse to dress up in the North East!

DWP minister Mike O’Brien presents 100-year-old Nora Morris with a cake in Dudley

20082008

19081908

1908 2008Life expectancy:49 for men and 53 for women

Life expectancy:One in four babies will live to 100

State Pension age:70

State Pension age:65 for men and 60 for women

Rates:Between one and five shillings for a single person (5p and 25p intoday’s money). Married couplesgot seven shillings and sixpence(about 38p).

Rates:The basic State Pension is £90.70but pensioners may also be eligiblefor additional funds such as pensioncredit and winter fuel payments.

Catherine Chan reports on DWP’s celebrations

V

Photos courtesy of the National Archive

Edw

ard

VII

Eliz

abet

h II



Hobby

John Pinching finds outwhy plastic is fantastic for Juliette Gregson

LIKE most things in life, toys go in and out offashion. From Dinky cars in the 30s, the Hula Hoopin the 50s and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles inthe 90s – whatever the generation, the nation isalways being struck with a new toy craze.

But for Juliette Gregson from Blackpool Jobcentre,Sindy dolls became a passion which started in the70s and never went away.

The first contact officer’s hobby was inspired by heraunt Anne who gave her a Sindy doll as a presentback in 1977. Soon after, aged four, she took herpocket money to Hamleys toy shop and bought thenext doll in her collection.

Since then she and Sindy have been the best offriends and Juliette now boasts a collection of wellover 300 dolls.

Juliette said: “Sindy was created as a friend to kidswithout brother or sisters. She had an exciting lifewith clothes, accessories, furniture, cars, horses andeven houses.

“It’s part of my childhood and now I’ve got anentire room full of Sindy collectables.”

Before the introduction of eBay, Juliette spent hertime searching high and low for a new Sindy to addto her collection. She said: “I would look throughcharity shops, conventions, collectors’ fairs and carboot sales. Some of the rarer Sindys can be worthhundreds of pounds.”

Juliette restricts her hobby to a very specific period and will only accept merchandise up until 1986, when the makers started to change the original formula.

But after 31 years of collecting she has no plans tostop and continues the search to complete her set.

Sindy trivia: Did you know that Sindy had a friendcalled Paul during the 1960s. He was based on SirPaul McCartney. After the Beatles split up, however,he was removed from the shelves.

If you need more time to devote to your hobbywhy not sign up to HASSRA, DWP’s officialprovider of sports, social and leisure activities.For more info go to DWP Intranet> A-Z > H >HASSRA or visit www.hassra.org.uk

Living doll!


Back for moreFeature

As Leigh Lewis makes his second trip Back to the Floor, DWPeople charts his progressand investigates a new parallel leadership scheme, Through the Looking Glass

INTRODUCED last year in response todisappointing Staff Survey results onsenior leadership, more than 200 seniormanagers have now taken part in Backto the Floor.

The scheme aims to help bridge thegap between senior leaders and staff,and give leaders a true picture of theissues faced by staff in delivering DWPservices to customers.

Many of the Department’s seniorleaders are now planning their secondBack to the Floor placements, andPermanent Secretary Leigh Lewis ledthe way recently by going Back to theFloor at Jobcentre Plus in the North East.

Leigh had an enlightening week duringhis second Back to the Floor week,tackling Social Fund Crisis Loanapplications at the Cobalt HouseBenefit Delivery Centre (BDC) inNewcastle. He rounded off his trip bymaking payments at Newcastle CityJobcentre Plus, and with visits toMiddlesbrough Contact Centre andStockton Benefit Delivery Centre.

Eager to try to do the job himself, Leighstarted taking Crisis Loan application callson his second day at the BDC. He alsogot a taster of how difficult it is to judgewhether loans should be granted, gettingfirst-hand experience of the complexcases that can come in.

Leigh describes his experience in hisBack to the Floor diary: “Like last year, Ihad more than my fair share ofbutterflies at the idea of actually doingthe job myself. But probably not half asmany as those colleagues in JobcentrePlus who have been deputed to be mymanager and mentor for the week!”

During his time taking calls with RoyBaldwin, a social fund officer at NewcastleBDC was Leigh’s mentor and coach, Roywas impressed by the depth ofunderstanding that Leigh gained: “Wewere left with a sense that he had beengiven a real insight as to what Crisis Loanswere all about, rather than a fleetingglimpse of simple, straightforward cases.”

Carolyn Mason, who is a crisis loandecision maker at Newcastle BDC, says: “I think that the interest that he

showed in the mechanics of crisis loans was appreciated by the team as he learnt the whole process rather than just asking a few questions. I also think that he was quite surprised by some of thereasons for crisis loan applications.”

Leigh writes about what he gainedfrom the experience: “Going back tothe floor is genuinely valuable. I thinkthat our staff do want to see theirleaders trying to do the jobs that theydo day by day and experiencing boththe highs and lows of doing so.”

Back to the Floor has also given Leigh some points to consider further: “We must, of course, always have a system which helpsthose who are in most need in our society. But I am not sure that we have the balance of this system entirely right.”

You can read Leigh’s full diary, and more news about the scheme on the Back to the Floor site, available through the intranet homepage.


REVERSING the idea of Back to the Floor, LeadershipThrough the Looking Glass gives operational staff the chanceto experience life as a senior manager. In a recent trial, fourwilling Pensions, Disability and Carers Service staff took twodays away from their usual roles to manage Charlie Ritchie’schange pipeline and business design team.

Ellen Pinto-Hazell, from the disability and carers processingunit, got a better idea of the management process: “Charliewas a great mentor for the day. I realise that though I alwayslooked at the wider picture, it wasn’t quite wide enough. Ithas been a great insight into the processes that have to bedone before it reaches the shop floor.”

Chris Hulme, who also works at the unit, enjoyed the pilot:“I learned that senior managers have to be very adaptable.The decisions I made were received well. The staff inCharlie’s area work well as a team and I thoroughly enjoyedmy time with them.”

Not only did the experience have a positive impact on thestaff who worked as managers, the change pipeline andbusiness design team also gained insight. Team LeaderCharlie Ritchie says: “The whole thing helped me get someperspective – it made me reconsider the way I do my job,and I was surprised by just how much information had to beexchanged with the new people.”



Wrong turn

I THOUGHT I would share my thoughts on giving directions.

At this time of year, with many peopletravelling to visit new parts of theBritish Isles, one is often stopped by apassing motorist enquiring as to thewhereabouts of a particular attraction,

the location of a street, or thedirection of another town.

Please consider the mental wellbeingof the motorist.

If you do not know the direction andfeel unable to help them you shouldnot tell them this.

What do you think? Send your letters on any subject to: [email protected] month’s Star Letter wins a £15 Marks and Spencer voucher

I JUST wanted to say how much I enjoyed the article on Jennie Haynes and herrole in recreatingmedieval life inthe times of the Wars of the Roses.

As a member of theTowton BattlefieldSociety, I am alsointerested in this period of history.Towton is not well known to the publiceven though the battlefield is largelythe same today as it was in 1461.

Situated just south of Tadcaster it remains the biggest and bloodiest

Put your feet up

AS THE Department is celebratingOlder People's Day on 1 October, Itrust this celebration will includemembers of staff who are, shall wesay, of a more mature disposition?

Personally, I am looking forward to myyounger colleagues peeling grapes forme as I relax, my feet gently soakingin a warm footbath, whilsthandmaidens (or should that behandpersons these days?) attend tomy every whim.

Naturally, I am only doing this out of asense of duty to, as the Departmentsays: “create a positive view of laterlife by tackling outdated stereotypes.”

I can hardly wait.

Al SmeatonBusiness Continuity, Risks andPlanning manager

battle ever fought on English soil. If the medieval chroniclers are to bebelieved then it’s possible that 28,000men died that day.

This brings me to my main reason forwriting in . Your article stated that theWars of the Roses was fought betweenthe people of Yorkshire and Lancashire,sadly this is not so.

The Yorkists drew much of their supportfrom the South and West of England, theLancastrians from the North and East. We

know that the City ofYork sent 1,000archers to fight for the Lancastrians at Towton.

It still amazes mehow many peopledrive up and down

the A1 not realising that such asignificant event in history occurred onthese now quiet farm fields.

Dave Skillen, ImprovementProgramme Team, DeliveryDirectorate

STAR LETTER

Your article stated thatthe Wars of the Roseswas fought betweenthe people of Yorkshireand Lancashire, sadlythis is not so

”

“

Your history is poor

Letters



Letters

Rather you should put a big smile onyour face and instruct them that theyare travelling in the correct directionand the locality they are looking for isjust another four hundred yards downthe road.

The driver will immediately have asense of satisfaction, the passengerswill have confidence towards the driver and the occupants of the vehicle will be animated and excited atthe anticipated approach to the end oftheir journey.

Beware, for if you answer: “Sorry, Idon't know,” an atmosphere ofsadness will ensue.

The driver will be confused as theyattempt to decide whether to asksomeone else or to continue, perhapsin the wrong direction.

There is a chance that your directionsare correct and nothing more needs tobe done.

If however, your directions areincorrect, after five or six hundredyards, the driver will presume that theyhave merely missed the turning and be

confident in asking another passer-byfor directions again.

Ken BradshawIncapacity Benefit, Bury St.Edmunds

The way you make me feel

I HAVE just started working at DWP and I am amazed at how much II am enjoying my new job!

I have never been a civil servant before and do not have much benefits experience.

The job has changed my views on theway benefits are delivered and also our customers.

I was also pleasantly surprised with theflexible hours policy. Being a mum, it isan amazing privilege for me to havethis.

So thank you to DWP for giving me ajob which fits in so well with my life.

Hannah SealHastings Jobcentre Plus

Namesakes

SO MANY of us at DWP share thesame name and work in different partsof the country.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we met ourname namesake?

We would all (probably) look verydifferent, this would be a fantasticexample of DWP Equality and Diversity.

Denise Robinson – HemelHempstead not Glasgow!

Time traveller

LIKE many people, I spend countlesshours on public transport in order toget to work each day.

I am curious to find out from otherstaff what sort of difficult or lengthyjourney they endure every working day.

My daily experience starts when myalarm wakes me at 4:30 in readiness ofcatching the 5:33 train from my localstation (Broadstairs).

I reach London Victoria around 7:20and catch the tube to Embankmentstation – arriving at work (The Adelphi,DWP HQ) at 7:30.

I finish for the day at 15:45, and catchthe tube to London Victoria and catchthe 16:03 train back to Broadstairs.

After arriving in Broadstairs at 17:51, Ifinally arrive home at 18:05 – thisgenerates a four and half hour roundtrip each day.

And so it continues…

Gary Jordan, The Adelphi, London



Achieving the best

TEAM 0F THE MONTH

THE next time you’re ordering some forms or leaflets, give a thought to the PASS project team.

The team was set up to improve the way DWP buys all itsprinted materials – no mean feat as there are more than10,000 different items available across the Department.

But despite being based at several locations, the PASS team– with support and input from key customers – have pulledthe service together, creating an award-winning solution.

Head of the Strategic Sourcing Programme Mike Day says:“When the PASS team was set up we had dozens ofsuppliers, too much waste, some poor quality products and a supply chain that didn’t give us value for money.

“We set about changing this and the team delivered aproject that will put simpler processes in place for ordering and delivering items and at the same time makesignificant savings.

Well done to the Print & Associated Services Solution (PASS) project team

“We also appointed iON to work with us to make thenecessary improvements.

“Although a few customers have experienced somedifficulties and poor service, I am confident that the serviceis improving and that the new arrangements will serve uswell in the future.”

The project’s Finance Team manager John Lavery says: “The project team came up with some really innovative ideas.For example we have put in place a risk/reward system.

“This encourages iON to get the best possible prices for ourproducts – the more they do to help us spend less the morethey are rewarded.”

And the team’s combined efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.Earlier this year they scooped a Government OpportunityAward for team excellence.

Mike says: “We were absolutely delighted to win this award.

“It just goes to show that when you don’t need to be based in the same office to work successfully as a team, and I include our many business stakeholders in thatdefinition of team.”

Head of Strategic Sourcing John Michalski says: “TheCommercial Directorate is extremely proud of the team’sachievements.

“This was the culmination of many months of hard work both within the Commercial Directorate and various businesses across DWP – the team fully deserve this recognition.”

Nominate now!

DWPeople would like to hear from teams that have demonstrated at least one of the DWP values: achieving the best, respecting people, making adifference or looking outwards.

In no more than 300 words, tell us how manypeople are in your team, why you should beconsidered and which values you’ve demonstrated.Email your entry to dwpeople.dwp.gsi.gov.uk.

What the judge said…

Grahame Steed was one of the judges at the

Government Opportunity Awards. Here’s what

he had to say about the PASS team:

“It was evident the project could only have been

achieved by a team working to an exceptionally high

standard.

“Given the potential sensitivities of the project, the

panel was impressed that a number of stakeholders

had been actively engaged, including suppliers.

“This was a deserving winner – and one which sets a

very high standard for entrants in 2009’s awards.”

Team members with their Government Opportunity Award



Catherine Chan reports on how DWP

gets its cash back

A BENEFIT fraud case doesn’t endwhen the judge delivers a sentence.

There’s still the small matter of gettingback the money – and that’s where theFinancial Investigation Team steps in.

Amanda Hillman is in charge of theteam: “In many cases, we’re not justpursuing the overpayment.

“The law gives us the power to look at someone’s whole lifestyle and alltheir assets over the past six years.

“This means someone can end uprepaying much more than theyoriginally defrauded. For example ifthey’ve bought a property and the

house value goes up, we can go afterthat money too.”

Once the investigators have areasonable figure (see panel), it’s up to the judge to decide how much that person should pay back.

Amanda says: “A confiscation ordergives a person six months to repay us and they may have to sell theirassets to raise the money. If they don’t pay up, they may go to prison.

“Most of the money that is paid

back goes to the Treasury but DWPalso gets a percentage to invest in anti-fraud measures.

“The judge can also award comp-ensation to the Department as the‘victim’ of the crime.”

Amanda adds: “We’re responsible inthe way we go after our money and try not to force anyone into poverty.

“It’s inevitable some people will find itdifficult to repay us but that’s the costof committing a crime.”

BackstageBack

for good

Above: Amanda Hillman (left) and Harsha Nanavati

ACCREDITED financial InvestigatorHarsha Nanavati is based at NeasdenJobcentre Plus, North London.

Here’s how she builds up a picture of someone’s finances:

Step 1We start off with the intelligence we’ve gathered such as bank accountand property details.

Step 2We’ll then approach the banks to handover more information, using productionorders. This process involves going tocourt and making an application beforea Crown Court judge.

Step 3We check through the bank statementsto identify any unexplained income.

Step 4The individual is given the chance to tellus where the unexplained monies camefrom. They usually dispute our figures!

Step 5We end up with a benefit figure (theoverpayment plus any unexplainedmoney) and an asset figure (what theycurrently hold in their bank balance andequity in property and vehicles).

Step 6We give these figures to the judge, along with other evidence, and theydecide how much needs to be repaid.

Step 7Once the verdict has been given, we logthe details on our database and workwith colleagues in Debt Management to monitor the repayment.

The big paybackHere are some real examples:� £51,000 overpayment =

£85,000 confiscation order� £40,000 overpayment =

£100,000 confiscation order

One of the biggest confiscationorders was based on a £644overpayment.

DWP investigators uncovered a life of crime and the offenderended up paying back £245,000.

Find out more about DebtManagement in a futureBusted! Backstage article



Busted!

DWP staff can report benefit fraud using the PPQ form on the desktop

Running into troubleSTEFAN Dudek was passionate aboutkeeping fit.

The Liverpudlian was a big fan of long-distance running and completedfive 10km races, often crossing thefinishing line in under 50 minutes.

He was also a regular at his local gym and filled his home with heavydumbbells and exercise equipment.

But he soon found out there wasnowhere to run to when DWP exposed him as a benefit cheat.

Dudek, aged 51, from Ash Grove,Wavertree, started receiving benefits in 1989. At that time, he had genuinemobility problems and his claim was legitimate.

His health improved greatly over the years but he neglected to tell the Department about the change.

He also failed to report that he wasworking as a doorman at a nightcluband as a steward atEverton FC.

Liverpool CrownCourt heard howDudek was caughtout by Operation Big Wing, a jointoperation by DWP andMerseyside Police.

The evidence included secret footage of Dudek working at an Everton match. The three-hour video showsDudek doing his job without anyobvious discomfort, clearly at odds with his claims that he could barely walk.

In total, Dudek fraudulently claimed£48,652 in Incapacity Benefit andDisability Living Allowance between1998 and 2007.

Dudek admitted two counts offraudulently claiming benefits, with 241 similar offences being taken into consideration.

Judge Mark Brown said: “I am satisfiedsince 1998 you abused the system in adeliberate and serious way.

“As a result, you obtained a largeamount of public money which would have otherwise gone to more needy individuals.

“The public pot is not exhaustive. Thereis a limit on whatcan be spent.”

Judge Brownsentenced Dudekto one year inprison and DWPhas startedproceedings to get the money back.

Benefit cheat Stefan Dudek can run…but he can’t hide from DWP

(Above) Dudek is photographedtaking part in a 10km race(Right) He also worked as a stewardat Goodison Park


Septmeber 2008 | dwpeople | 25

Busted!

The public can report suspicions on the National Benefit Fraud Hotline (0800 854 440)

lands couple in court

LOOKING after a group of kids can bean exhausting job – just ask Sharonand Kenneth Coulthard.

The couple, from Garston in Liverpool,ran an after-school club and regularlysupervised dozens of youngsters.

They had their hands full: playing withthe children on a bouncy castle, takingthem quad-biking and supervising tripsto Chester Zoo.

But the Coulthards weren’t all theyappeared to be – they were benefitcheats who defrauded the system ofnearly £103,000.

Despite her job, Sharon Coulthard,aged 55, claimed Disability LivingAllowance and Incapacity Benefittotalling £76,763.

Husband Kenneth, aged 47, was also on the fiddle and claimed £26,223 in benefits.

The Department were alertedto the case by an anonymoustip-off.

Investigators startedsurveillance and filmed thecouple taking part in physicallydemanding activities.

Mrs Coulthard – who claimedshe couldn’t stand up andneeded almost constant care –was even filmed riding a horse.

Liverpool Crown Court heardthe couple started claimingbenefits legitimately in theearly 1990s but had not toldthe Department that their conditions had improved.

The couple pleaded guilty to sevencharges. Mrs Coulthard was sentencedto a year in jail and Mr Coulthard wasgiven a suspended sentence.

Running, jumping and playing is all in a day’s work for this dodgy duo

C H I L D ’ S

P L A Y

Judge David Swift said the couple’sbenefit claims were “quite inconsistentwith reality.”

He added: “That money is intendedfor people needing it. When there is dishonesty on this scale, it is of great concern.”

Above: Sharon Coulthard is caught on camera. Thequote is from her 1993benefit claim form

Left: just some of theactivities the Coulthardstook part in while claimingbenefits (library photos)

Sometimes I think‘why me?’ Why not those peoplewho have donebad in the world?

“ “

...



Crossword

Last month’s answers

Across: 6. Roberts 7. Kenya 9. Lewis 10. History 12. Switzerland 14. Performance 18. Voucher 19.Mayor 21. Month 22. Efforts

Down: 1. Jones 2. Review 3. Sty 4. Lentil 5.Hydrant 8. Vinegar 11. Starter 13. Aerosol 15.Facets 16. Crayon 17. Youth 20. Eft

Across 1. Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay (4)8. Railway vehicle (10)9. Australian jumper....or D.H. Lawrence novel! (8)

10. Jimmy, the popular comedian (4)12. Fish-eating hawk which builds a bulky nest (6)14. Number given to the second point gained by a playerin a tennis game (6)15. It has a spout and a handle and is used for brewing (6)17. Gesture that encodes a message (6)18. Remains of a cigarette (4)19. Items on display in a museum (8)21. Voluntary acknowledgments of the truth (10)22. Blair, Blackburn or Bennett (4)

Down2. Continuous tormenting (10)3. Piece of cloth flown on a ship (4)4. Disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (6)5. Something brought in from another country (6)6. Close-fitting item of hosiery (8)7. Deborah, the female star of the movie 'From Here To

Eternity' (4)11. Act of taking back a previous statement (10)13. Nation whose head of state is not a monarch (8)16. Bloodsucking African fly (6)17. Place of education (6)18. Bean, the actor who plays Richard Sharpe in thetelevision series 'Sharpe' (4)20. Northern Ireland's most famous footballer (4)

The winner of the £15 Marksand Spencer voucher was Sarah Vaughanfrom Wolverhampton BDC.

Send in your completedcrossword, details and answerto the question below to: DWPeople CrosswordCompetition, David Hall, Room650, Caxton House, 6 -12 Tothill Street, LondonSW1H 9NA.

Competition closes on 15October.

To be in with a chance ofwinning please tell us what your favourite feature in thisissue was?______________________________________________________

Name:..................................................Full address:..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

StatePensionquiz

1. On average a man who is 65 today willlive to what age? 75 79 85

2. On average a woman who is 65 todaywill live to what age? 80 88 92

3. How many women in the UK now reachthe end of their life without having hadany children?1 in 11 1 in 9 1 in 5

4. State Pension age for men is 65. What isthe average age that men finish work?60 62 64

5. State Pension age for women iscurrently 60. What is the average age that women finish work?55 58 61

6. On average, people retiring today arebetter off than people retiring 10 or 20years ago.

True or False?

7. State Pension age is currently differentfor men and women but the state pensionage is going up for women?

True or False?

8. The full Basic State Pension for a single person is currently how much per week?£79.54 £84.25 £86.12

9. For how may years must a man havepaid or been credited with NationalInsurance contributions to get a full basicState Pension in normal circumstances?28 years 44 years 52 years

10. What percentage of women reachingState Pension age now get the full BasicState Pension of £82.05?12% 30% 42%

11. The Basic State Pension is not meanstested – meaning people get it regardlessof how much other income or savings they have.

True or False?

12. Your National Insurance contributionsare held in a fund built up to pay your ownState Pension.

True or False?

13. At the moment what proportion ofworking age people are not saving in apension (not counting the State Pension)?12% 34% 56%

How does your pensionknowledge add up? Find out in the State Pension quiz...

To be in with a chance of winning £15 ofHMV vouchers email your answers togetherwith your name and address to:[email protected] closes on 15 October.

Congratulations to Claire Westbrook fromJobcentre Plus in Purley, she provided allthe correct answers to the Fantastic FilmFact Finder (Take Two). The answers wereBuddy Holly, Annie, Trains, Mick Jagger, Art Garfunkel and Noel Coward.

Quiz time


.

.

.

.

.

.

Septmeber 2008 | dwpeople | 27

EVERY month an interviewee isselected at random from theDWP global address book. Thismonth our subject is…

from the Change Programme atTavis House in London

The instant interview

DWPeople classifieds

ROME CITY CENTRE apartments forholiday rental each sleeping up to four people. 10% discount to DWPeople readers.www.rentintestaccio.com Phone:07749789630

FANTASTIC FLORIDA VILLA Four bed, three bath. Private, south-facing pool & Jacuzzi. Games Room,pool table, bar-football, etc. PS2, freelocal & international calls. Disney 10minutes. Beautifully furnished. DWPDiscount. From only £365pw. 01234-853420 07809-236358www.milbournefloridavilla.com

ORLANDO. Luxury four bed villa allwith TV, private pool over-looking lake& games room, Disney 15 minutes.Low rates for DWP employee bookings

- 2008/9 from £450. 07821 273373www.orlandoholidayvilla4u.co.uk

ORLANDO, FLORIDA. DWP discounts.Visit our luxurious four bedroom, threebathroom villa. Two master ensuite,upgraded furniture, games room,broadband, pool and spa, gamesconsole in an exclusive area. All thiswithin 15 minutes to the major themeparks. For more details go towww.oristavilla.com or phone Paul on01233 640096

MAJOR second income opportunityideal for Civil Servants. For informationpack call: 0800 781 0662www.AmbitiousIncomes.com

PUERTO DUQUESA, SOUTHERN SPAIN.New 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. Nextdoor to Puerto Duquesa Golf club and

near to many others includingSotogrande and Valderama. Tel 07802450388 or email [email protected]

SANTA ROSA ISLAND, western end ofthe Florida Panhandle, lovely two bed,two bath condo. 1520sq.ft Beautifulwhite sands. Choice of two. Tel 07802450388 or email [email protected]

HEATHROW AIRPORT. ComfortableB&B in quiet country location. Holidayparking, courtesy transport. SueJenkins (01753) 662972 www.apple-treecottage.co.uk

DISNEY, FLORIDA Luxury vacation villa. Four bed, threebath with two master en-suites. Pooloverlooking conservation area. Tel:01689 831146 website www.orlando-villavacations.com

How long have you worked forthe Department? 31 years.

What is the best aspect of yourjob?At present working on SummerSchool engagement on behalf of the Change Programme. Having hadthe opportunity to attend myself in2005 I can honestly say that thisproject has been the best I have everworked on.

Is there anything about your jobthat you dislike? Not knowing what I don't know!!

What’s been the highlight of yourcareer? Working with people, team membersand customers and using myexperience to try and 'make adifference'.

What was the last film youwatched? Mamma Mia, and Sexand the City (loved both).

Which music would you use forthe soundtrack of your life? Probably the Bridget Jonessoundtrack, but I loved the recentAbba revival and bought the CD onMonday.

What’s the best programme onTV and why? Question Time. I have an interest inpolitics and especially when ourministers are on.

What is your favourite meal? Italian, or anything cooked bysomeone else!

If you could paint your office inthe colour of your choice, whatwould it be and why? Definitely yellow, it’s sunny andbright.

Do you have any hobbies? Yes, Ceroc dancing.

What are you doing tonight?I’m going to hem my trousers to goout tomorrow night.


Don’t miss next month’s issue, which has features on:

Older People’s Day

Summer School

Work-Life Balance

Embracing diversity

dwpeopleDWPeople_September_2008:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd 10/07/2008 15:25

dwpeople sept 2008 complete magazine

Documents