The Government has announced that disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), following the appointment of two co-chairs and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs of the Timms Review, alongside the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE brings more than 25 years’ experience as a national advocate for disability rights, co-production, and social justice. Clenton takes on this role independently from his position as Associate Director for Think Local Act Personal (TLAP).
Sharon Brennan brings expertise from previous roles including as Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, and as a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee, where she advised the Department for Transport on accessibility.
TLAP welcomes these appointments as well as the Government’s commitment to co-producing the Timms Review. Putting disabled people’s voices and expertise at the centre of decision that affect their lives is vital to designing care and support that enables people to live their lives their way.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE says:
“This review is more than a policy exercise. It’s a chance to rebuild trust through co-production. And to ensure disabled people, people with long-term conditions, and people with lived experience of our welfare system, can shape what comes next.
It’s also historic. It’s the first time the UK Government has committed to co-production on this scale. There are many local and devolved examples we can learn from, but bringing this spirit of collaboration into national policy is a step change.”
