<p>The department’s aim is to make the right decision as early as possible in the claim journey. We have made improvements to the decision-making process at both the first decision and the Mandatory Reconsideration stage, giving Decision Makers additional time to proactively contact claimants if they think additional evidence may support the claim, reducing the need to progress to appeal.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In addition, the department is working to improve feedback loops so that it can continue to learn from tribunals, with a view to improving decision-making across all stages of the claim journey.</p>