Dwpeople March 2008 Complete Magazine

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:45

Page 1

MARCH 2008

dwpeople Altogether now Directgov joins DWP Net result DWP intranet shows major improvement Relatively speaking We reveal your famous connections

“

I was the fourth monk and only had one line

“

James Purnell talks about life, politics and James Bond

Your DWP staff magazine

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:46

Page 2

Room with a View Liz Knowler and Julie Budd are this month’s Room with a View snappers

Last month DWPeople featured staff’s top four photographers from the Room with a View competition on Headline News. More than 9,000 staff voted and as all the photos were so popular we are featuring the four runners-up this month. Check out the final two pictures at the end of the magazine.

Liz Knowler’s picture of her view from Ontario House, Salford

The scores are in and here’s how you voted:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Julie Budd’s view of Butlins from her Bognor Regis Jobcentre Plus office

Shelia Gower – 26% Norman Milton – 20% Gareth Hughes – 15% Andy Dixon – 9% Liz Knowler – 9% Julie Budd – 8% Hilary Reeves – 8% Mike Choruschyi – 5%

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:47

Page 3

Contents

04

News in Brief News from across the Department

16

Making tracks DWP staff put their running shoes on

06

“It’s great to be back” DWPeople interviews James Purnell

18

At your fingertips Signposting Directory connects customers with the services they need

08

Learning by degrees A new e-learning masters degree especially for DWP

20

Team of the month The Business Design and Change Pipeline team are the model of success

09

Holding court Carolyn Gunter aims high

22

Letters Your views on everything from famous colleagues to Kylie

10

Net result DWP intranet shows major improvement

23

Reporting benefit fraud New series on how DWP tackles benefit fraud

12

Altogether now Directgov moves in

24

Busted! “Family business” faces the law

14

Relatively speaking We reveal your famous families

26

Quiz time Win a £15 voucher with our crossword

DWPeople – Whilst every effort is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers, DWP cannot accept any liability. The acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by DWP. The advertising for DWPeople is managed by Landmark Publishing Services, 2 Windmill Street, London W1T 2HX. Tel: 020 7692 9292. All locations in DWP should receive enough copies of DWPeople to share around.

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:47

Page 4

News in Brief Three Year Business Plan launched DWP has published its Three Year Plan for 2008-09 to 2010-11. The Plan sets out DWP’s targets for the next three years and explains how they will be delivered. It makes clear that our priority will be to expand and improve our services to customers. To read the Plan go to: http://51.71.34.88/1/corp/sites/deliverpl an/pdf%20version/index.asp#TopOfPage View the summary of the Plan at: http://51.71.34.88/1/corp/sites/ deliveryplan/index.asp

Jobcentre Plus wins NAO praise The National Audit Office (NAO) has commended the roll-out of the Jobcentre Plus office network. The Head of the NAO Tim Burr said: “My report recognises the considerable achievement that has been made delivering over 800 centres to a high quality standard, under budget.” Read the commemorative edition of plus magazine which explains how this was achieved: http://intralink/jcplus/ mags/plus/pluscom/index.htm

Record response for staff survey THE FINAL numbers from the DWP staff survey are in and it is the highest response rate ever this year with 84,254 staff taking part. This is a record-breaking 72 per cent of staff.

84,254 RESPO NSES

The survey results will be shared with staff by early April. Business heads will write to staff about the results in their area and how improvements will be identified and taken forward.

Independent Living DWP is supporting disabled people in doing the things that non-disabled people take for granted, as part of the cross-government Independent Living Strategy.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell said: “Disabled people should have the same choice and control over how they live their lives as everyone else.

The Strategy was developed in partnership with disabled people and aims to give them more choice and control over the support they need and greater access to employment, transport, health and housing opportunities.

“I welcome the Strategy as it involves disabled people right from the start. It is also a powerful illustration of crossgovernment working.” Read the strategy: www.officefordisability. gov.uk/independent/strategy.asp

Plans for pensions Further improvements to the Civil Service Pension Scheme will be introduced during March 2008.

Tackling unemployment

For a complete explanation of the improvements go to: http://intralink/ home/news/headlines/2008q1/2008030 3_plans_for_explanation.asp

A NEW approach to increasing the number of people entering and staying in work has been announced in DWP’s Commissioning Strategy. Private and voluntary sector organisations will now be paid to get customers who have been out of work long-term into long-term jobs. The strategy outlines how DWP will sign larger and longer-term five-year

4 | dwpeople | March 2008

contracts with providers. These top-tier providers will manage a chain of suppliers down to local level to get the most disadvantaged customers into work and achieve the best individual outcome for each customer. To fine out more information read the Commissioning Strategy paper at: www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/200 8/com-strategy/cs-rep-08.pdf

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:47

Page 5

News in Brief Conferences go carbon neutral

DWP arranged with the event organiser to make the Jobcentre Plus Recognising Success Awards and Spring Conference on 5 and 6 March carbon neutral. The SCS conference which took place the following day also had its emissions offset to zero.

The events’ carbon footprints were offset at the supplier’s expense through the Climate Care organisation who fund renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. Their projects balance out the CO2 emissions produced by ensuring that an equivalent amount of CO2 emissions are taken out of the atmosphere elsewhere to make the activity ‘climate neutral’.

Information on the way participants travelled to the conferences was recorded, together with energy consumption at the events. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions was then calculated by the conference supplier.

DWP is committed to identifying those elements of our business which have the potential to affect the environment and taking greater steps to making our activities sustainable.

IN A bid to reduce DWP’S carbon footprint, two recent DWP conferences reduced their emissions to zero.

RM improvements NEW JOB aids offering simplified and improved Resource Management (RM) guidance will be available from 31 March 2008. The step-by-step guides – covering topics such as expenses, sickness absence, and change of line manager – use plain English and screenshots for more clarity. The improved guides are part of a wider review of RM and are based on existing guides – an email address will be available to report any errors. For further information go to DWP homepage, A-Z, and access Resource Management, then Job Aids.

We have the technology Every day more of our staff are turning to video conferencing (VC). If you prefer face-to-face interaction but don’t want to travel many miles to a meeting this is the answer. Many DWP sites now have rooms

devoted to video conferencing. The plasma screens and high quality audio facilities ensure that everyone can be seen and heard, wherever they are. By using VC, staff can reduce their mileage, save time and help the environment.

A nose for success

A

DWP has its very own Steven Spielberg “It should keep in waiting. me busy for a few months,” he jokes. The Nasal Umbilical, a quirky short Rob Dewick film made by Rob Dewick of Hull “The highlight was having Benefit Delivery Centre, was recently my film broadcast on the local shortlisted for the Orange British BBC news and screened on Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) 60 Hull’s Big Screen cinema,” says Rob. seconds of fame competition. “Even though I didn’t win the award Although Rob didn’t win, the at least I can say I’m a BAFTA experience has inspired him to nominated film-maker.” begin work on his next project, which involves a blend of live-action You can see Rob’s film online at: and animation with a full original www.60secondsoffame.co.uk/ musical score. bafta/sixtysec

Do you have any news for inclusion in DWPeople? Email your story [email protected]

Private Office record The Department has achieved its best ever results on its handling of Ministerial Correspondence – 92 per cent of the letters received were replied to within 20 days or less. Derek Marshall, Head of Ministerial Correspondence Unit, commented: “The way we deal with correspondence provides a very transparent illustration of our professionalism as a Department. These outcomes are the result of a very effectively joined-up effort across the Department, but we are committed to continuous improvement and are looking at a number of initiatives such as the extended use of e-comms and IT to take this forward.” March 2008 | dwpeople | 5

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

Home James! Is it good to be back? It’s really great. One of the things that stands out about DWP is that it feels like a confident department. We’ve got a big agenda to implement, a good record on delivery and we’re at the very heart of government. It’s also interesting to find out more about the things I was less involved with before, like Welfare to Work and the CSA. What has changed? The way pension reform has gone from ‘what if we did it like this’ to ‘here is how we do it’. There has been a significant improvement in the performance of the CSA and welfare reform has gone past the development stage and is now being implemented. What are your main objectives? I want to get the right balance between support, and incentives to work. In my policy speech at the Social Market Foundation I spoke of wariness when talking about people and their ability to work. Many disabled people do remarkable work every day. The Flexible New Deal will give people much more control over the support, training and healthcare that they receive. People can live independent lives whatever their circumstances. Will sending people who don’t have a job into work, or workrelated activity, reduce disillusionment among the young, unemployed? Cultural attitudes are difficult to change. We want to give people

6 | dwpeople | March 2008

01/05/2008

14:48

Page 6

Even at 38, James Purnell is part of Westminster’s political landscape, having been Minister for Pensions and, more recently, Secretary of State for Media, Culture and Sport. Now he has returned to his old stamping ground at DWP, as Secretary of State. John Pinching went to find out how he’s getting on

who have been out of employment or training for six months at least an experience of work, so that when they encounter an employer they can say ‘yes, I can do that.’ For those who are claiming benefit and working, it will disrupt their illegal activity. You met Bill Gates recently, at the 25th anniversary of the Prince’s Trust; did he seem like the richest man on the planet? If you saw him in the street he wouldn’t strike you as particularly wealthy. He answered all the questions and was energising with the public. During the day I also met people who had been in prison with drug problems, but were now successful businessmen. It was a great advertisement for entrepreneurism. What do you think of his charity work? Microsoft sponsoring the Prince’s Trust is a great thing. The way he invests in charities is impressive. I think it is admirable when people who earn a lot of money put something back into society. How did you get into politics? One summer, while I was at university I decided to volunteer to work in Tony Blair’s office, when he was a member of the Labour opposition party. I then became a management consultant, worked at the BBC and returned after New Labour’s victory in 1997.

“

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

“

“

I auditioned to be a knight but they gave the part to a bloke called Dan, or Daniel Craig (James Bond) as he’s now known

Did you ever think of pursuing a different career? I did a lot of acting while I was at university, before realising I was terrible. On one occasion I was playing monk number four in a stage production of Murder in the Cathedral. I had one line and shared it with all the other monks. During the tour an opportunity arose to play a knight, so I decided to audition. Unfortunately they decided to give it to a bloke called Dan or Daniel Craig, as he’s now known. If things had worked out differently he could have been Secretary of State for Work and Pensions! How do you escape from the world of politics? I listen to a lot of music – the last album I bought was LCD Sound System’s Sound of Silver. I also play football and support Arsenal – not just the last few years, but for many trophyless seasons as well. What is your desert Island disc? It changes every day. I was asked to compile a list for community radio once and it took me a week. When I had finally chosen the records, they were too long and the show over-ran and we only played two from my list.

01/05/2008

14:49

Page 7

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:49

Page 8

Feature

Learning by degrees David Hall finds out about a new e-learning masters degree specifically designed for DWP managers COMBINING work and studying for a degree isn’t easy – but a new e-learning degree is offering DWP managers a more flexible route into higher education.

helps students structure their degree around the demands of a career.” The degree covers a diverse range of issues relevant to managerial roles within DWP.

The e-Masters MA in Policy Management and Government is sponsored by the Department and tailored exclusively for DWP staff with five years experience at EO level.

“We have regular discussion groups, full tutorial support and frequent contact between tutors and fellow participants,” says Kevin.

Kevin Hall, Director of MA in Public Services Management runs the course at York University and is a former DWP manager himself.

A series of awareness sessions about the course are taking place throughout April in York, Leeds, London and Glasgow.

“The MA is ideal for managers who want to develop their leadership skills,” says Kevin. “Learning online

For further information visit the University of York website:www. york.ac.uk/depts/spsw/gsp/pmg.html

case Study NAOMI Wright works on the continuous improvement initiative and is in her second year of the MA.

Look out for more articles on learning and development in future issues of DWPeople.

“The variety of topics covered by the Masters grabbed my attention instantly,” says Naomi.

Talking to the programme’s directors and other students gave Naomi the courage to apply.

Naomi had been interested in doing a degree in management for some time but was concerned she might be at a disadvantage, having not been in further education since leaving college more than ten years ago.

“I definitely made the right decision,” says Naomi. The subjects covered on the programme are so varied and there is something relevant to all roles. It’s hard juggling work and home commitments with a degree – but it’s worth it.”

Room for improvement The Department offers a wide range of learning opportunities for improving and developing your career, including:  Summer Schools for all staff up to HEO/Band D grade  Apprenticeships that lead to nationally recognised qualifications  Talent Management programmes  Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs) The DWP Learning and Development website has more information on these and is available at: http://intralink/1/corp/sites/cld/index.asp under ‘My Development’. 8 | dwpeople | March 2008

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:49

Page 9

Feature

Holding court David Hall meets the DWP staff member who is hoping to lead four national sports teams to glory MANAGING a national sports team is not an easy task, as any previous England football boss will testify, but one DWP staff member is proving more than up to the challenge. Carolyn Gunter, a Decision-Maker at Bristol Disability Benefits Centre, manages no fewer than four Under18s England Indoor Netball teams (Ladies and Mixed) – and is aiming to lead her players to success in the world championships held on Australia's Gold Coast later this year. Carolyn has always been sports crazy – as a teenager she represented her county at netball and even had trials for the England volleyball team. Once her playing days were over, she got involved in the coaching and managing side of sport, helping to run various local youth football and netball teams in Bristol.

have more than ten years experience, whereas the England team only started playing together last year. All the teams are self-funded and rely on sponsorship and donations to continue playing competitively. For Carolyn, the Department’s Special Leave was crucial in helping her to realise her dream. “All of this was only made possible with the help of the Department and my managers,” she says. “I was granted Special Leave with pay so I must thank the management team at Bristol for enabling me to go and represent my country.”

Now Carolyn has the World Cup in Australia firmly in her sights. With the host nation, South Africa and New Zealand all competing for honours it will be an even sterner test for her and her teams. “We are hopeful that at least one of our teams will reach the finals. I know the players will play their very best for England.”

Feeling inspired by Carolyn’s story? ACTION Sport UK run indoor sports tournaments and competitions across the country. Find out more at: www.actionsportuk.com HASSRA offers indoor and outdoor sports for the Department’s staff at: www.hassra.org.uk

It was this experience that led the England Indoor Netball Association to ask her to manage the national teams at last year’s Tri-Nation Tournament in South Africa. “The tour was an incredible experience,” says Carolyn. “Walking through Heathrow airport with an England kit on waiting to fly out was something I had dreamed of but never thought I would achieve. “We were even asked for our autographs and treated like royalty. Standing alongside the teams to sing the National Anthem was an unforgettable moment.” For Carolyn’s teams, even competing was a remarkable achievement considering the two other teams involved – South Africa and Australia –

The England Under-18s Ladies Netball team in action at the Tri-Nation Tournament last year

March 2008 | dwpeople | 9

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:49

Page 10

Feature

Net result The DWP intranet shows major improvement as new plans aim for even greater success

WHAT on earth did we do before the intranet was invented? It’s where we can obtain a wealth of Departmental information from the latest news to the policy and strategy updates vital to our jobs and contact details for our colleagues. The Department understands how important the intranet is, which is why so many improvements have been made in the last year. In recognition of this, the independent Intranet Benchmarking Forum (IBF) currently has the DWP intranet sitting a very credible ninth place in its league table. The table contains 37 organisations, including the BBC, Prudential Group, Rolls Royce and our public sector colleagues at HMRC – all of which we are rated above except the BBC, who only beat us by one per cent. This is a great endorsement of DWP’s online presence. Indeed, there has been much to celebrate recently. The intranet now opens automatically, offering staff instant access to the homepage with its rolling banner of daily news and key messages.

10 | dwpeople | March 2008

The homepage is also much more interactive with online polls, quizzes and the perennially popular feedback channel Have Your Say. Furthermore, while the staff survey was being collated, our site featured a ‘countdown clock’, a check on how many forms had been completed and, subsequently, the survey results. Intranet development team manager, Ian Roden, enthused: “It’s great to see that we have improved so much in the last year; a testament to all the hard work, but there is still a long way to go.” “Over the next few months, we will be going round the country establishing what users want, and making further developments based on what we find,” he added. In the near future increased statistical analysis of how staff are using the intranet will be collated. This will provide vital information, which can be used for future improvements and better services. For example, in development is a a straightforward system alerting web publishers about faulty or obsolete links will allow them to repair or

discard them accordingly. Meanwhile, an enhanced search engine, which allows staff to narrow their search to a category, will make it easier to find what they’re looking for. These enhancements are scheduled for the end of March so keep an eye out.

IBF findings  DWP’s overall IBF rating was 71 per cent  Our visuals scored an outstanding 83 per cent  Accessibility came in at 80 per cent – well above average  Usability rated at 57 per cent – slightly below average  IBF identified that information wasn’t always where staff thought it would be.

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:50

Page 11

Feature

Setting our sites THE LATEST proposals to improve the intranet focus – as the IBF would suggest – on intranet usability. Over the next year to 18 months, a number of measures will be taken to improve the current online facilities. Changes will be made entirely from the users’ perspective. Among the targets will be: improving content and structure – ultimately

allowing staff to access information based on their own preferences – ensuring the intranet is technically up to date and improving the appearance and clarity of the site. There are also plans for a new publishing model that will make it much easier to publish new material on the intranet, requiring less people to maintain the site and, of course, saving money.

The introduction of exciting social media technology will mean that content can be provided in real-time, to specific readerships. Using the momentum already gained from previous changes, the future transformation may mean an even better finish in next year’s IBF league table.

“Although it is very slow at times, the intranet is much easier to navigate. Search results tend to be more accurate, it is more pleasing on the eye and content has improved.”

“I find the interactive discussion groups really useful. Headline News is interesting and I do feel like it keeps me informed with the information I need to know. The search engine still needs to be improved however.”

“It’s much better than it was, and the changes have made a difference. Personalising the home page is a really good facility. I would like to see an HR page and better search facilities.”

Becky Martin, Customer Services Manager, Lincoln Jobcentre Plus

Charlotte Rose, Felling Jobcentre Plus

Joseph Knapton, Disability and Carers Service call operator from Blackpool

March 2008 | dwpeople | 11

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:50

Page 12

Feature

Altogether now Directgov makes move from Central Office of Information to DWP THE Government’s premier digital channel, Directgov, is transferring its operations from the Central Office of Information to DWP.

to us,” she said, “Directgov will have greater representation across government, while also benefiting from DWP’s leadership and guidance.”

Directgov, which launched in 2004, is a multi-media platform offering access to nearly all government products and services.

“We are all looking forward to forming an effective partnership with our new colleagues,” she added.

It can currently be found, not only on the intranet, but also digital television and mobile phone. Jayne Nickalls, Directgov’s Chief Executive, said: “DWP is an organisation that is built around customer needs and joining the Department is a tremendous advantage

2004

March 2006

Directgov is launched

‘Hits’ on the Directgov website increase from 800,000 to 5 million

Although it does retain independent status Directgov will be reporting to DWP’s IT Director General and Chief Information Officer, Joe Harley, and Permanent Secretary, Leigh Lewis. Joe is excited by the move: “By having access to our skills and resources, Directgov will be able to more quickly raise its public profile,

“Having met many of their senior team, I am very confident that working together we will be able to deliver an ever compelling service to the citizens of the UK.” Tony Singleton, Directgov’s Business and Operations Director, added: “Being part of an organisation that, at some time or another, touches the life of every citizen in the country puts Directgov in a very strong position.” DWP has already committed £5m this year, ensuring Directgov can build on its momentum.

January 2008

April 2006 Dirctgov moves from the e-Government unit to the Central Office of Information

while increasing the number of citizens who use its services.

‘Hits’ on the Directgov website increase to 7 million

April 2008 Directgov to join DWP

Building site AS PART of an ongoing programme to reduce the number of government websites, most DWP internet sites will close, and have their content and services moved to Directgov. A single place for citizens to find information will ensure that customers find what they need, without having to know which part of government to contact. Sue Castling is overseeing the merging of DWP sites. “DWP already works hard to make sure its customers can access the information and services they are

12 | dwpeople | March 2008

looking for online,“ she said. “More of our customers than ever before are ready to deal with us via electronic channels, and Directgov gives us an opportunity to make the experience quicker and easier.” At present DWP has responsibility for 34 websites, many of which will close over the next three years. The process is due to be completed by 2011, at which time most citizenfocused services will be found on Directgov, with employer information on the Businesslink site.

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:51

Page 13

Feature

Joining forces Directgov staff will soon be joining us as colleagues. We asked some of them what they think about moving to DWP?

Project Manager Poss Apostolou: “This is a great opportunity to make contact with different customers. DWP has access to 70 million people – that can only be a good thing for us.” Director of Communications David Dilley: “I am keen to work with DWP staff as we aim for the common goal of transforming online services, by allowing our customers to find information in a single place.” Campaign Project Manager Heather Reynolds: “I feel that the move can only enhance Directgov’s visability. We will be able to draw on each other’s strengths and experience.”

Budget Manager Robert Lacey: “After two moves since 2004, I am looking forward to some stability. The continuity will also be good from a customer point of view. Both groups of staff can learn a lot from each other.” Internal Communications Manager Tracey Crawford: “Joining the biggest Department will help to raise our profile further. I think the move will be rewarding for both parties.”

Their space A NEW collaborative online service will allow customers to access their own personal account, through Directgov’s Money, Tax and Benefits section.

Acccount holders will also be able to update their information – reducing the number of times they have to contact us to make changes.

‘My DWP’ will provide each person that registers, individual information about the personal benefits they may be entitled to, based on the details that they supply.

Ultimately, customers will be able to see which benefit they might get, what it is worth and data about all their existing benefits.

The facility taps into a broadening market of people that enjoy organising their finances online. DWP’s IT Director General and Chief Information Officer Joe Harley says: “The migration of online facilities to Directgov requires staff from both organisations to work effectively together.” March 2008 | dwpeople | 13

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:52

Page 14

Feature

! G N I K A E P S Y RELATIVEL Singers, sports stars, playwrights and prophets, it seems that DWP staff are related to them all!

RECENTLY we appealed for information about your interesting ancestors and our electronic mail bag has been bursting at the seams with a glorious mix of plausible, farfetched, fascinating and downright absurd connections.

DWPeople reporter John Pinching brings you the celebrity links before anyone else!

Relative ratings  Maximum believability  Convincing  Prepared to believe you  Suspicious  Fanciful

Leigh Marnley and Max Bygraves Perpetually optimistic crooner, Max Bygraves, was, in many ways, ‘favourite uncle’ to an entire generation. By all accounts he was the genuine article to Jobcentre Plus’ Leigh Marnley. Bygraves married Leigh’s aunt, Blossom – who apparently paid their first months rent. Since those poverty stricken days Max has sold countless albums, addressing subjects such as Christmas, war and cakes.

Some of those extraordinary genealogy stories are featured this month, and they’ll be more tales of the unexpected next time.



Ian Hutty and Sir Ian Botham Imagine DCS Decision-Maker Ian Hutty’s delight when, in a recent Daily Telegraph article, he noticed that Rebecca Ann Hutty – the daughter of his great, great, great grandfather John – had married George Chappel Botham. The latter being a distant relative of former England cricket captain, Question of Sport panellist and elephant enthusiast, Ian Botham. A national hero, Botham still holds the record for most England test wickets. He has also graced the pages of many tabloids over the years.

exe’s t a ny ym “M fe is To ece” wi e’s ni isti ret Chr Ber ard Rich

Ten

14 | dwpeople | March 2008

month

us l i n o u

 of the k

John Brown and Peggy Herbison John Brown has been working here since 1967. Back in those halcyon days new recruits were asked to nominate their preferred department. Wisely John chose DWP on the basis that his father’s cousin was Minister for Social Security, Peggy Herbison. According to John his great aunt was such a regular visitor to the local offices that many believed she helped to process claims.



DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:53

Page 15

Feature

Paul and Timmy Mallett PAUL Mallett, from the Child Support Agency in Plymouth, is more closely connected to fame and fortune than any other candidate. He is, after all, the brother of television star Timmy Mallett! In the mid-eighties Timmy could be seen virtually every morning on Wakaday and The Wide Awake Club, wielding a huge sponge hammer and wearing garish attire. Timmy’s legacy includes a distinctive gesture, known as the Wakawave, an avian co-host, Magic, and the word association game, Mallett’s Mallett. He also has the rare distinction of having jokingly bashed former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher around the head. Mallett junior still regularly sees his famous brother. “He now spends a lot of time painting with his great friend Rolf Harris,” said Paul.



Di Walker and Jim Dale Lone Parent Adviser Di Walker’s great uncle had an aunt who married the step-brother of Carry On Film favourite Jim Dale. The only male member of the team still alive, Dale was often cast as a bumbling, but well-meaning buffoon. After 11 appearances on the series he was lured to Hollywood, starring in several Disney movies notably, Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World.



TALL TALES? Cannot bee serious: Tom Johnson and Sting Watch out for the gene Police  Premium bond: Maria Ademosu and Shirley Bassey An aunt said they had a relative living in England called Shirley Bassey (Wales, surely?)  Royal pardon: Kristian Young and Bonnie Prince Charlie Apparently the documents proving this were destroyed during a family feud. Convenient!  Practically neighbours: Arthur McNulty and Kylie Minogue Explanation includes emigration, great aunts and, inevitably, name changes. Nice try.  Un-stable: Andy Magee and one of the three wise men The irony of this claim isn’t lost on anyone.  Much ado about nothing: Carl Pedley and William Shakespeare Really, you couldn’t write it.  Wing and a prayer: Adrian Goodrum and Stanley Matthews “Family in Stoke” leads to, of course, one of football’s greatest ever exponents!  Disgraceland: John Boyson and Elvis Presley You ain’t nothing but a hound dog, lying all the time!  No fangs: Christina Mackay and Christopher Lee An evil look from the Prince of Darkness, alas, doesn’t ‘count’!  March 2008 | dwpeople | 15

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:54

Making tracks DWP is bursting with fit and healthy staff and more than 50 contacted DWPeople about their Marathon plans for April. Good luck to everyone taking part. Here’s a selection:

get longer each week, up to 20 miles. “I have also made the sacrifice of giving up my favourite food – Domino’s Pepperoni Passion, along with chips and alcohol. Now I’m eating more pasta, fruit and taking vitamin supplements.” Steve is running the London Marathon for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

STEVE Lang (above) from Norcross Disability and Carers Service is in the midst of a 16-week training schedule to get in shape for the Marathon. He says: “I am running four times a week and my routine includes hill and interval runs and cross-training. I do my longest run every Sunday to prepare for the big day and these

He says: “My six year old daughter Olivia suffers from cystic fibrosis – which is the UK’s most lifethreatening, inherited disease. She has a daily routine of about 30 tablets, medicines, nebulised medications and two sessions of physio, on top of visiting the hospital for two weeks every three months. ”The Cystic Fibrosis Trust needs to raise £8 million every year to fund its vital work aimed at understanding, treating and curing cystic fibrosis.”

Page 16

TREVOR Buckland from Broadstairs Jobcen tre Plus has been hitting the gym to get in shape for the marathon. “This is my first maratho n and I’ll be running in aid of the Evelina Children ’s Hospital Appeal. My friend’s baby boy Ronn ie was rushed to hospital there for lifesaving surgery. He had his bowel removed and without their care he would not have survived.” www.justgiving.com/lit tleronnie

Steve last ran the Marathon in 2006 and hopes to improve on his race time this year. He adds: “Last time I was injured and struggled around in just less than four and a half hours. This year I’m hoping to beat three and a half hours.” View Steve’s fundraising site at: www.justgiving.com/lang08 RACHEL Fry (right) from Preston Benefit Delivery Centre is running to raise money for Refuge – a national charity supporting women and children fleeing domestic violence. She says: “I decided to run the London Marathon after joining a running club last summer, before then I hadn’t

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:56

Page 17

f t a c ts s a F ... Each Lon don Marathon uses:

710,000 b ottles of w ater g to GARY Taylor is runnin tish raise money for the Bri mory of me Heart Foundation in his dad. d He says: “My father die heart ve suddenly from a massi that ed attack. I then discover atgre my grandfather and the grandfather had died of erited inh d same thing – and I ha my ep lifestyle to ke it. I had to re-think my I started running. so , wn blood pressure do d marathons in Leeds an “I’ve taken part in two ve ha I g rs of waitin Dublin and after five yea London Marathon.” the in ce now secured a pla rytaylorBHFRunner www.justgiving.com/ga

20,900 m etres of barriers 950 porta ble toilets 500 stretc hers 68 ambula nces

done any running since my last school sports day!

View Gareth’s fundraising site at: www.justgiving.com/garyjenkins

“I’ve been out training in the rain and hail and will be running five times a week to try and complete the run in less than five hours.”

SHELAGH Ackers (right) from Jobcentre Plus Oldham is running her first London Marathon this year.

View Rachel’s fundraising site at: www.justgiving.com/rachelandjen

She says: “I am very excited! I started running a few years ago and was persuaded to join the Middleton Harriers last year. Since joining a running club I have gone from running just a couple of miles to completing my first halfmarathon around Swinton last September.

GARETH Jenkins (left) from Bayard House Jobcentre Plus in Walsall is running for SANDS – the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity in memory of his daughter. He says: “I did my first half-marathon in 1985 and since then I’ve completed two London Marathons in 1989 and 1991. “I’ve had a long lay off and this is my first marathon in 17 years, so I’m running 30-35 miles a week and I’ve just completed a 20-mile run.”

“I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can for bowel cancer as my father died of it and we need to raise awareness of the symptoms, so people can spot the signs early.

“I am gradually increasing my mileage every week to prepare myself. I have also done cross-country and fell running to increase my stamina. I hope to complete the London Marathon in less than five hours.”

Did you know...? The oldest person ever to complete the race was 93-year-old Fauja Singh, who took just over six hours.

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:56

Page 18

Feature

DWP at your fingertips

The DWP Signposting Directory connects customers with the services they need in the latest success story from the Change Programme IN THE three months since its launch the Signposting Directory intranet site has received more than 65,000 hits. By lunchtime on the first day, there had been more than 6,000 hits; this rose to almost 10,000 the following day. The Directory is an initiative from the DWP Change Programme, designed to help customer-facing staff to direct customers quickly to the person who can provide the help they need. No matter where they choose to access our organisation, the Directory provides a stepping-stone to linking services across different businesses. The team that jointly developed the Directory, (Contact Centre Advisory Team, The Pension Service Central Design Authority and e-comms Operations and Support), have received more than 70 feedback messages from users, the vast majority being positive, for example suggesting enhancements or additions to the Directory. Vicki Storer from Pensions Central Design Authority says: “This was very much a joint endeavour, not just between Contact Centre Advisory Team and The Pensions Service, but also colleagues from across DWP, and e-comms who were able to translate ideas into a usable tool. It’s been great to be involved in something that has prompted such a positive response.”

18 | dwpeople | March 2008

The design involved talking to and meeting contact centre and customerfacing representatives from each business area, establishing what they wanted from a directory, and how they wanted the information presented. Following its launch, the Directory was formally evaluated by a group of users, the key findings being:  Most users liked how the Directory was set out and appreciated the simplicity  Most thought it needed to be expanded to provide an even greater improvement to customer service  88 per cent agreed that the Directory is set out clearly  All agreed that they could find the number they needed quickly. The majority thought that it didn’t impact on the time spent with the customer, but did improve customer service. Following the second user group workshop in February, the team are now working to upgrade the Directory and add more features, including access to regional based numbers, and additional numbers, whilst retaining the easy to understand layout. Mark Jones, from the Contact Centre Advisory Team says: “Users gave us a steer as to what they wanted to see included in the next version and we

are working to deliver this. They also strongly supported the notion that the Directory must be ‘uncluttered by detail and easy to use whilst a customer is on the phone’ and we are using this principle when including such things as details of opening hours.” Staff can access the Signposting Directory from the intranet, under ‘D’ or ‘S’ from the A-Z on the homepage. Signposting Directory now includes Welsh language numbers Contact Centre staff are now able to find Welsh language telephone numbers in the Signposting Directory. Staff can find numbers for DWP, for other government departments and third parties via a simple icon.

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:56

Page 19

Achieving the best

The key to success A NEW short film produced by DWP and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) shows how the government is working together with employers to tap into Britain’s talent – and make a huge difference to individuals, communities and businesses across the UK. In ‘Unlocking Britain’s Talent’, the general public talk about how gaining skills and finding work has changed their lives, and employers discuss the huge benefits of Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs), apprenticeships and working directly with Jobcentre Plus. The film was screened at ‘Ready to Work, Skilled for Work: Unlocking Britain’s Talent’, a conference held in London in January for employers, trade unions, lobby groups and employment and skills providers to showcase what the government is doing around recruitment, training and skills. The message of the conference – and the film – is simple. If government and business work more closely together, employers will have access to the skills they need to prosper, and millions of people will be able to realise their potential. Attendees at the conference, including UK employers, senior business leaders and DWP partners, were addressed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell and DIUS Secretary of State John Denham. Mr Purnell said: “Getting people into work isn’t enough. People also want to get on. We need more employers to offer jobs to those out of work, invest in apprenticeships and to boost our

Prime Minister Gordon Brown talks with delegates at the conference

economy by giving everyone who can the chance to work.” The conference highlighted how LEPs are helping employers find candidates who are pre-trained with the basic skills for the jobs they have specified. Under the partnerships, the government will help employers access a wider pool of talent and make sure that these people have ready-to-work skills and a ready-to-work attitude. In exchange, employers agree measures that can include guaranteed job interviews, work placements, mentoring, work trials and more inclusive recruitment processes.

More than 550 employers have committed to LEPs. Well over half are already putting their LEP agreements into practice, working closely with Jobcentre Plus at local level to provide a range of support and successfully linking employers with jobready candidates.

For more information about LEPS: http://intralink.link2.gpn.gov.uk/jcp/ directorates/ercomms/workingwith employers/lep/index.asp You can see a clip of the film online at: http://intralink.link2.gpn.gov.uk /home/homepage/urgent/20080128_ ready_to_work.asp

Britain’s Talent speaks: “I love my job, so I’m looking forward to my future.” “I’ve got a more fulfilled life now than I did before. Financially it’s changed my life as well.” “Before I left school I never passed an exam and since I left school I’ve never failed one.” “It’s quite overwhelming actually, the difference it’s made.” March 2008 | dwpeople | 19

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

Achieving the best

01/05/2008

14:57

Page 20

OF

M A TE H T N E H T

N O M

Back row left to right: Paul Allen, Dolours Barker, Lorraine George Front row left to right: Bev Dyson, Charlie Ritchie, Gina Longstaff

DWPeople finds out how the Business Design and Change Pipeline team have been improving services for DCS customers. THE Business Design and Change Pipeline team knew that developing a Standard Operating Model (SOM) for the Disability and Carers Service would be no simple task. But that didn’t deter them from taking on the challenge and pulling out the stops to get everything in place on time. The team of nine from Norcross was newly formed and keen to ensure the expanded SOM was top quality and ready to go on the intranet in February 2008.

20 | dwpeople | March 2008

Team members all have very different roles within the team and everyone involved had to work very hard over a short period to make sure they had everything ready in time for the deadline. Design Assurance team member Gina Longstaff says: “The team has three sub-teams within it, and as team members are often in meetings and unavailable, we need to support each other and cover each others’ roles.

“We are all as diverse as our team roles and a recent team-building exercise showed that we couldn’t even keep a couple of tennis balls in the air for more than six seconds – so how we manage to juggle everything at work slightly bemuses me!” In addition to their work on the SOM, the team are also responsible for investigating new and potential changes and ideas that may have an impact on DCS business in the future.

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:57

Page 21

Achieving the best Gina Longstaff member Design Assurance team y. with a large responsibilit “We are a compact team e to e work hard but manag We’re cosy, but wise! W e and the days fly by. have fun at the same tim illiant and we have a “My team mates are br laugh…or we’d cry!”

The team works with staff across DWP to understand and influence these changes and make sure DCS is accounted for. The massive task of developing a new SOM for DCS involved working with Disability Benefit Centres across the country while also expanding it to cover all processes for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance across the whole business. After a very busy few months, the team had everything ready for the Model to go live on the intranet on time. Team member Penny Yates says: “We worked together to create a SOM which would make sure DCS delivers a common national service based on established processes and best practice to make sure that customers receive effective and consistent service. “It gives staff a detailed yet user-

friendly model to do this, with links to relevant guidance and toolkits – this is a first for DCS.” The team has already received positive feedback from staff about the new Model, with the links to guidance proving particularly popular. Team leader Charlie Ritchie says: “I am particularly proud of my team’s achievements – they worked closely with operational colleagues from all over the country and listened to widely varying views on how the business delivers benefits to agree a way forward. “The team’s efforts will make a real difference to the business by making sure we all deliver a consistent level of customer service and greater efficiency while giving managers more flexibility when deploying resources. “It is a real example of excellence in the workplace.”

Lorraine George Business Analyst

Could you be the next Team of the Month? DWPeople wants to hear from those teams that have demonstrated at least one of the key DWP values: • • • •

Achieving the best Respecting people Making a difference Looking outwards

Nominations should be no longer than 300 words. Tell us: • Who is in your team • What you all do • Why you should be considered • Which of the DWP values your team have demonstrated. Send your entries by email to: [email protected]

“Although we each have our own areas of work, everyone seemed able to roll-up their sleeves and help out a colleague who may need a bit of assistance. Deadlines can be painful but the team really pulled together to meet them. “When the going gets tough – someone brings in the confectionary. Not sure if this was to raise our sugar levels or keep us quiet – but it seems to work!” March 2008 | dwpeople | 21

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:57

Page 22

STAR LETTER Wild claims of coworkers

Spot the mistake WHILE reading February’s dwpeople magazine, which was very interesting, I couldn’t help noticing one tiny error. The story on pages 24-25 about the Mayor of Sefton has an inset photograph which is labelled as Sefton. The picture is actually of the Palm House in Sefton Park in South Liverpool. Sefton Borough – where John Walker was Mayor – is in the northern part of Merseyside and nowhere near Sefton Park. Keith Moorcroft Jobcentre Plus South Tyne and Wear Valley District Laura Turvey, dwpeople, responds: Whoops. Well spotted Keith, and all the other staff who wrote in to correct us – you are all quite right. Apologies for the mix up and thanks for letting us know.

Return to sender I HAVE just read Lynn Hayes from Child Support Agency Sheffield’s letter from February’s dwpeople with interest. I too have had the privilege of visiting the Heywood Store in

22 | dwpeople | March 2008

SOME of you may have noticed a Headline News article on the intranet recently which was asking for wild claims about your famous relatives to be included in dwpeople magazine.

“

Does anyone have any good memories of famous people who used to work in the Department?

It got me thinking and I wondered if anyone has any good memories or stories of famous people who used to work in the Department, like Ian Brown from the Stone Roses, Ian Curtis from Joy Division or Sean Moore the drummer with Manic Street Preachers. I’m sure there are many more.

October and was truly amazed at the amount of files that are stored there. I totally agree with Lynn’s suggestion of having the address of the sender on the polylopes and boxes that are sent to Heywood. We at Hastings have always tried to assist our Heywood colleagues when sending items to them and have improved the way we send items that now include our ‘return address’ on all items. I hope both Lynn’s and my comments will encourage all offices to follow suit by including their ‘return address’ on polylopes and boxes that they send to Heywood and join in on the ‘add your return address campaign’. Neil Davis Hastings Child Support Agency

”

If you remember working with them – do you have any good stories? Liam Hamilton Birkenhead Child Support Agency

Kylie at DWP? HOW delighted I was to see Kylie on the front cover of February’s dwpeople. Can you tell me when she starts work? Where she will be working? And how I can get a transfer to the same office?! Rich Payne Bristol Disability and Carers Service

What do you think? Send your letters on any subject to: [email protected]

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:57

Page 23

Feature

Reporting benefit thieves

“

DWP is committed to providing value for money for taxpayers and one way the Department can do this is by taking serious steps to slash benefit fraud. The good news is that DWP has made substantial progress, reducing benefit fraud in Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support by more than half since 2000. The bad news is benefit thieves still stole from taxpayers an estimated £700 million across all benefits in 2006-7. Peter Gabell, who works in the Fraud Investigation Service at Swansea, says:“Common types of benefit fraud can include deliberately failing to declare earnings or not reporting a change in circumstances such as finding work or a new partner moving in to the home. In some cases, customers may exaggerate or even fake an illness or disability.” So how does the Department decide who to investigate for benefit theft? There are three main ways that benefit fraud suspicions are reported:  by Departmental staff (see below)  by the public through the National

Mind your PPQs! AN ONLINE referral form called the programme protection query or ‘PPQ’ is DWP’s latest tool in the fight against benefit fraud. The form can be used by staff to report cases where they think customers are acting fraudulently or to log suspicions from members of the public.

Backstage It’s not someone else’s money – I pay my taxes too!

“

In the first of a new series, Catherine Chan looks at how benefit fraud is reported

CLAUDINE Carr works on the National Benefit Fraud Hotline and is based in Preston. She tells DWPeople what it’s like to take the calls:

An image from DWP’s marketing campaign



Benefit Fraud Hotline (see right) and the website (https://secure. dwp.gov.uk/benefitfraud) by the data matching service

John MacLean from the data matching service says: ”Data matching is a very efficient and cost effective method of combating fraud. We use a number of internal and external data sources to identify discrepancies. In the last financial year we issued over 320,000 referrals and these uncovered more than £92 million of overpayments.” From March, the Department will also be able to access information from credit reference agencies. This will identify people who are claiming single-person benefits and are living with a partner. The layout means data is standardised so it can be sent on to the relevant teams more quickly. Debbie Hyland, from the project team, says: “The additional questions the form asks helps us gather better quality information, which is then sent direct to investigators or Jobcentre Plus compliance staff.” The PPQ form can be opened via the icon on the desktop of all DWP computers.

“There are three contact centres that are currently responsible for the hotline and we can take more than 5,000 calls a week. “Every call is different – the average call length varies between five or ten minutes depending on the level of information the customer has, but you can take detailed calls that are a lot longer. Some people report hunches; others have more concrete evidence. “My job is to find out as much information as I can about suspected fraud and put this in a PPQ form. The form is a lot easier to use than the old paper form because there are standardised questions so you don’t miss anything out. “The completed form is sent on to a fraud investigator or a Jobcentre Plus compliance officer depending on the type of information the referral contains. “As well as taking calls, I also mentor new starters. I really enjoy my work and I value the job that I do. I like to think I’m giving something back by helping to stop benefit cheats. It’s not someone else’s money – I pay my taxes too!”  On average, every £1 spent on the hotline generates approximately £16 in identified overpayments.

The National Benefit Fraud Hotline is on 0800 854 440.

March 2008 | dwpeople | 23

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:58

Page 24

Busted!

h

h

h

h

h

Top row (left to right):  Bernadette Hampton  Bernadette Jones  Mary McDonagh Bottom row (left to right):  Marie Johnson  Margaret Hampton

“Family business” faces the law Busted! reports the international arrest of five benefit fraudsters FIVE women are behind bars after cheating nearly £250,000 out of the benefits system and going on the run. The group, made up of friends and relatives, committed the fraud over a ten-year period by producing forged or false documents at Jobcentres and Post Offices. Judge Philip Gregory likened it to running a “family business”.

Quinton and Handsworth in Birmingham. The Department first became aware of the women after an anonymous tip-off about another defendant, Sean Anthony Johnson. Investigators uncovered the conspiracy and a series of house raids took place, turning up a further 84 identities and two blank birth certificates.

they had all fled to the Republic of Ireland in a bid to escape the law. DWP’s Fraud Investigation Service tracked down the women and after international warrants and court hearings, the group were all brought back to the West Midlands. At Birmingham Crown Court they each received two years and 10 months for conspiring to defraud and an additional four months each for absconding.

Bernadette Hampton, 32, Mary McDonagh, 33, Marie Johnson, 55, Margaret Hampton, 52, and Bernadette Jones, 46, all came from

Mr Johnson was sentenced in 2005 to two years and 10 months for conspiracy to defraud. But the court was unable to sentence the women –

24 | dwpeople | March 2008

DWP staff can report benefit fraud using the PPQ form on the desktop

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:58

Page 25

Busted!

Busted! goes behind the scenes IT WAS one of the UK’s biggest ever benefit fraud cases involving a secret room, nearly 200 false identities and £2.4 million. Jean Hutchinson, 65, and her cousin Ralph Dale, 64, were sentenced to five and four years respectively for their massive fraud. Blackfriars Crown Court in London heard how Hutchinson systematically stole identities, which the pair used to make hundreds of false claims. After the case, Busted! spoke to Laurie Shore from the Fraud Investigation Service.

Sealing her fate “JEAN Hutchinson had several properties and used fake identities to make claims including for housing benefit. After a dispute with the council, officials went to assess her home. Hutchinson had sealed off part of the flat including some of the windows and the secret room where she hid the stolen identities.

This aroused suspicion so the local authority started to investigate and tipped off DWP. “Around the same time Greenwich Council contacted us to report a number of benefit applications with similar handwriting – they turned out to be from Hutchinson.”

Using a log-book of emigrants,

Building the case “THE five-month surveillance operation involved about 15 fraud investigators. We saw Hutchinson meeting up with Dale and visiting a number of houses. Our checks showed they owned the properties and were making false benefit claims at these addresses. “We knew we were building a strong case but we never knew the size of

DWP investigators spot Jean Hutchinson meeting up with Ralph Dale

Hutchinson wrote letters posing the operation until we raided Hutchinson’s home and uncovered the secret room. We found nearly 200 identities, all neatly filed and cross-referenced.

as a relative researching the family tree. When people wrote back, she used the details to steal identities. Shortly before being arrested,

“It took our lead investigator Lesley O’Rourke 18 months to prepare the case and submit nearly 200,000 exhibits to court.”

Hutchinson sent a car to Portugal and investigators believe she was preparing to leave the country. Following a stroke, Dale was left with severe hearing and speech

the aftermath “THE Department has a policy of bringing benefit cheats to justice and a confiscation hearing will take place in June to recover public money. “It’s also interesting to see how the

impairments. He used his disabilities benefit processes have changed over time, compared to when Hutchinson and Dale first started making false claims. DWP is now more geared up to detect fraudsters and take action.”

to visit GPs using false identities, in order to make multiple Incapacity Benefit claims.

Members of the public can report suspicions on the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440

March 2008 | dwpeople | 25

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:58

Page 26

Quiz time

Quickcrossword

Win a £15 voucher As usual we were inundated with entries to the crossword in February’s edition of DWPeople. The winner of the £15 Marks & Spencer voucher was John Parker from Blackpool. The correct answers were: Across: 6. Hallows 7. Still 9. Great 10. Cayenne 12. Harry Potter 14. Renaissance 18. Student 19. Green 21. Alpha 22. Results Down: 1. Barry 2. Alpaca 3. Ewe 4. Street 5. Clinker 8. Caspian 11. Present 13. Deathly 15. And The 16. Circus 17. Keith 20. Sea

Across

We’ll give a £15 Marks & Spencer voucher for the first correct entry 6. Florida drawn from 7. Kinks the hat. Each month we’ll print the answers from the 9. Scrum previous month and the name of 10. Fly-leaf the winner. 12. Mary Poppins

Across

Down

1. A country’s sea-force (4) 8. Large, long-armed apes of Borneo (10) 9. Britain’s Formula One star (8) 10. US agency responsible for aviation and space-flight (4) 12. Carrott, the famous Birmingham comedian (6) 14. Protective kitchen garments (6) 15. Young cat (6) 17. ‘Casino _____’, the James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig (6) 18. See 3 Down 19. African country associated with Robert Mugabe (8) 21. Famous World War II movie starring Bogart and Bergman (10) 22. Protective covering for the face (4)

2. Greenish-blue colour (10) 3. And 18 Across. Cartoon character who lives in Jellystone Park (4,4) 4. Smith, the manager of Rangers FC (6) 5. Kampala is this country's capital city (6) 6. Troy Tempest was the main character in this children’s television show (8) 7. World’s largest continent (4) 11. Flowers famously painted by Vincent van Gogh (10) 13. Popular pantomime (5,3) 16. Projecting spout on a petrol pump (6) 17. They built Hadrian’s Wall (6) 18. Slang word for a dollar (4) 20. James Nesbitt’s character in ‘Cold Feet’ (4)

26 | dwpeople | March 2008

14. Eva Longoria 18.don’t Sabbath So delay, fill in your details and 19. Homer answer the question below to be in 21. Rogue with a chance of winning. Send your 22. Ronaldo completed crossword marked DWPeople Crossword Competition. Using internal mail to: Laura Turvey Room 650, London, Caxton House Or standard post to: Laura Turvey Room 650, Caxton House 6 -12 Tothill Street London SW1H 9NA Competition closes on 30 March. Tell us which was your favourite feature in this issue? _______________________________ _______________________________ Name: ........................................................ Full address: ........................................................... ........................................................... ........................................................... ...........................................................

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:59

Page 27

Room with a view Congratulations to Hilary Reeves and Mike Choruschyi!

THESE are the final images from Room with a View. Thanks to all staff who sent their pictures in and congratulations to the finalists.

Hilary Reeves’s view from her Jobcentre Plus office in Lincoln

Mike Choruschyi’s view from his Child Support Agency window in Liverpool

DWPeople_March_2008_edition:DWPeople_January_2008_edition.qxd

01/05/2008

14:59

Page 28