Vocational Case Management
Disability Matters helps improve the quality of life of Income Protection and Personal Injury claimants by putting them at the heart of our activities and the forefront of our thinking.
Clinical Case Management
Dr Duckworth who has a Masters degree in rehabilitation studies and a PhD in disability and employment works closely with Dr Miranda Whitehead, a former General Practitioner, to head up the Clinical Case Management Services of Disability Matters Limited.
Vocational Case Management
Vocational assessment includes a review and evaluation of current medical status; work history; education and training; transferable skills analysis; interests and aspirations; motivation and self-esteem; and, alternative jobs.
Our Projects Director heading up this service is Nick Edwards.
Our employability assessments cover such issues as:
> Motivation
> Self-Esteem
> Interpersonal skills
> Reliability
> Work experience
> Qualifications
> Personal circumstances
> Job goal
> Career management
> Practical job search skills
Action Plan
A detailed employability assessment will result in the development of a comprehensive action plan that identifies training needs and return to work opportunities for each individual client. This action plan is carefully managed by one of our experienced case managers.
Rehabilitation Code of Best Practice
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and Association of British Insurers have adopted a Rehabilitation Code of Best Practice on rehabilitation, early intervention and medical treatment in Personal Injury claims. An increasing proportion of our work results in instructions to operate in accordance with this Code.
It is recognised that where these medical or other issues have been dealt with that there may be employment issues, which can be addressed for the benefit of the claimant to enable them to keep the job that they have, to obtain alternative suitable employment with the same employer or to retrain for new employment. If these needs are addressed at the time the claimant's quality of life and long-term prospects may be greatly improved.
| Clients | |
| Alexander Harris Solicitors |
Morgan Cole Nelsons Norwich Union Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand Paris Smith & Randall Pattison Brewer Russell Jones & Walker Scottish Equitable Shoesmiths Silverbeck Rymer Stewarts Treasury Solicitors Unum Vizards Wyeth Weightmans Winterthur Life Zurich |
Comments from disabled people who have used our service
Mr X who had clinical depression said, "I felt I must write to express my thanks to everyone in your organisation but Nick Edwards in particular. The past couple of years have had some black moments for me but Nick has been a constant and positive source of support for which I and my wife will always be grateful."
Mr W who had developed a spinal cord injury and was an Income Protection Claimant stated, "It's the quality of my life that matters most. Thanks for your help."
Dr Y who had post-traumatic stress syndrome and was an Income Protection Claimant said, "I was a G.P. I thought I knew it all, but these guys are the experts on disability and employment."
Principal consultants
Nick Edwards - Projects Director
I work with a caseload of over 60 Income Protection and Personal Injury Claimants at any one time. Over the last five years I have worked with over 200 clients. By putting the Claimants at the centre of our activity we endeavour to enhance their quality of life. As an individual who experiences chronic pain on a daily basis I have a particular interest in Claimants with low back pain but also work with other people who have a broad range of disabilities. Recent actuarial analysis from one particular insurance company reveals that for every £1 they spend on our service we save them £10 in the longer term. Prior to joining Disability Matters I worked at the Employment Service and was responsible for managing disability employment in the South East of England. I have also run over twelve large government and European funded projects to assist over 1,500 long-term unemployed disabled people on Incapacity Benefit make progress through their return to work journey.
Dr Miranda Whitehead
As a former GP and through my own personal experiences I have a particular interest in mental health issues. I have worked with a broad spectrum of Income Protection Claimants. Particular areas of interest include post traumatic stress disorder, work-related stress and the associated psychological impact of physical and sensory impairments. My passion is enhancing the quality of life of disabled people. Through helping them return to work the investment being made by insurers is resulting in us receiving more and more referrals. For me this means one important thing. That is we can help more disabled people regain control of their lives and enjoy the many and varied opportunities that are taken for granted by others. The therapeutic benefits of returning to work are clearly evidenced for us all to see.
Peter Bailey
MA, FIPD
- Senior Consultant
I have worked with a range of clients providing advice on vocational rehabilitation. I am particularly interested in the retention of employees who develop a disability and offer a troubleshooting (dispute resolution) service to employers who are confronted by the complexity of providing reasonable adjustments to individuals who have become disabled. My previous work as a human resource manager in both public and private sectors has helped me understand the needs from an employer's prospective in considering the return to work journey of disabled individuals.
My experience of using a wheelchair for the last 30 years provides an added dimension to my skills and experience.
Dr Stephen Duckworth - Chief Executive
I am one of the countries leading experts on disability and rehabilitation. As well as managing a significant individual caseload of both Income Protection and Personal Injury Claimants I also act as an adviser to Ministers. I am currently working with the Minister for Work and Welfare Reform and have advised the Cabinet Office's Strategy Unit to help with the development of "Improving Life Chances for Disabled People". I talk regularly about the latest developments in vocational rehabilitation to audiences of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL and FOIL), insurers, employers and service providers.
