The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging two groups of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants to register for workshops testing recommendations from the Timms Review. Registration opens on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 10am and closes on Friday 21 August 2026 at 5pm. Fifteen workshops will take place across the country during September and October 2026, with nine held in person and six online.
The DWP is specifically calling on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, ideally with experience of the PIP process, to participate. The workshops are part of a trial to test emerging recommendations from the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future.
Workshop Focus and Participant Input
According to the DWP, the workshops will focus on participants' views of the Review's emerging recommendations rather than identifying problems within the current system. After each workshop, input will be summarised and shared with the steering group, which will consider insights alongside other evidence and engagement.
The DWP stated: "These workshops will focus on your views of the Review’s emerging recommendations, rather than identifying problems within the current system." They added that while not all ideas shared will be taken forward, all will be heard and considered. The steering group is committed to providing clear feedback to each workshop, explaining what was taken forward and what was not, and why.
Eligibility and Registration Process
The workshops are designed primarily for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, ideally with experience of interacting with the PIP process, joining in a personal capacity. No previous experience of engaging with government reviews is required to take part.
To register interest, participants must complete an 'about you' form. The DWP noted that the information provided will help ensure a broad and balanced mix of people from different backgrounds, locations, health conditions, and experiences.
Timms Review Background
The Labour Party government launched the Timms Review to ensure that PIP is fair and fit for the future in a changing world. The Review is co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, along with Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
The workshops will run during September and October 2026, with registration closing on August 21. Insights from all workshops will be considered alongside other evidence and engagement, and the steering group will provide clear feedback to each workshop on what was taken forward and why.
