Below is the National Audit Office’s request for evidence re: IAPT, I note they have a whistleblower’s policy. It may be possible to ask for anonymity. I would hope that BABCP and BPS would make a submission to the National Audit Office, but to my knowledge this is not on the agenda of either, why not?
Investigation: Improving Access to
Psychological Therapies performance data
| Scheduled | Autumn 2017 |
|---|---|
| Sector | Health and social care |
| NAO Team | Director: Jenny George
Audit Manager: David Raraty |
| Media contact | Angharad Thomas Direct line: 020 7798 7208 Mobile: 07985 274421 Email: pressoffice@nao.gsi.gov.uk |
The ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) programme increases access to
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved treatment for depression and
anxiety disorders. In October 2014, the Department of Health and NHS England
jointly published Achieving Better Access to Mental Health Services by 2020. This set new
standards for the time people should wait for mental health treatment and the care they should
be able to access. In the case of IAPT services, the standards are that 75% of people referred
should be treated within six weeks, and 95% within 18 weeks of referral, and that 50% of
those who complete treatment will recover. NHS Digital publishes monthly statistics
that report performance against these standards. This investigation will establish the facts
around how the national statistics are prepared.
If you would like to provide evidence for our study please email the study team on
enquiries@nao.gsi.gov.uk, putting the study title in the subject line. The team will consider the
evidence you provide; however, please note that due to the volume of information we receive we
may not respond to you directly. If you need to raise a concern please use our contact form.