§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many outstanding Child Support Agency cases are currently awaiting processing in the Dudley office; how many staff are employed in this office, and what training they have received. [29320]
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§ Mr. BurtThe administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Miss Ann Chant to Ms Joan Walley, dated 22 June 1995:
I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Dudley Child Support Agency Centre (CSAC).As at the end of April 1995, Dudley CSAC was dealing with 38,200 cases, all of which were at various stages of the assessment process following the return of a maintenance application form (MAF) to the Centre, and some that have been referred to the local field office. There were a further 18,600 cases where a MAF had been issued but not yet returned.The CSAC has 758 staff. In line with the Agency's determination to improve quality, all staff at the CSAC undergo formal induction training structured to cover the area of work they will be undertaking; maintenance assessment staff have a training programme which lasts for ten weeks; call handling staff receive a five week course covering the whole of the Agnecy's business and Operation Accounting staff receive four weeks training which includes instruction on debt management. All relevant staff received training on the recent policy changes and enhancements to the Child Support Computer System. All courses include one weeks customer service training and a period of consolidation with an experienced colleague.After initial training, individual and collective training needs are continuously reviewed and both technical and personal skills based training courses are available and delivered regularly.I hope this is helpful.