Currently we do not have any RSLs verifying documents for us, but recently a few have asked us.
Before we give them an answer, I was wondering if anyone wants to share their experiences with this, particularly in:
– the benefits of doing this, and does it work well?
– any ‘negatives’ or things we should be cautious about
– setting up procedures
– training
– checking and security issues
– anything else that may be helpful
I’ve recently started a trial with an RSL – which deals with mainly vulnerable people so (substance misues, mental health, care leavers, homeless).
They were very keen and it saves them sending their tenants to our offices to get everything photocopied and get a receipt which they are then suppose to show to the landlord.
[quote:72e2d0b1f7=”susan buchanan”]We have been working with one RSL on verification and want expand to other RSL’s but before I do I would like to update the contract.
Please could you email any verification contacts you may have to xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Many Thanks[/quote:72e2d0b1f7]
I too would love to see examples of these. Sorry for being so cheeky 8)
We have worked with several RSLs (including our LSVT) plus our County Council Adult Services for a few years now and haven’t come across any problems. Our Partnership Agreement is quite straightforward (3 pages A4) which we don’t mind sharing.
You have to commit resources to regular training (for larger RSLs) but it is worthwhile as the quality of claim submissions is very good and the RSLs are happy as we get their tenants claims into payment quickly.
I am on the scrounge for a training plan for RSL to verfiy documents. We merged into a Shared Service a year ago and last week I found out that the other two councils have an agreement with some of their RSL’s to verfiy claims/documents. They now need some training following a big turnover in staff.
Unfortuantely the old training packs aren’t available so if anybody has anything that they would be willing to share i’d be extremely grateful.
hbinfo can help with putting together a pack and training for LAs (ie their RSLs) that want to start a partnership with RSLs to verify documents.
This includes a basic simple agreement, some simple forms for the RSL to use, a days benefit training. Email for further info.
Starting this thread back up again as we’re looking at asking our main RSL if they want to consider this. Just wanted to know what we needed to set in place so that everything is above board.
I was recently looking into something similar and ended up contacting the DWP library archive for a copy of their ‘RSL VF scheme operation and good practice manual’ from 2003. Obviously the VF element is redundant but it’s a useful reference.
You can contact the DWP library at library.archive@dwp.gsi.gov.uk (the reference number is 75821), or drop me your email address and I can forward it on.
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