MRBA Matters Spring/Summer 2014 June 2014 | Page 4

Ask the MRBA . . . about Personal Independence Payment (PIP) As of last year, PIP replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for those aged 16-64. But those currently receiving DLA are having it renewed on the same basis for the time being. PIP is for those who have developed difficulties with daily living or mobility for 3 months which will last at least a further 9 months. Like DLA, it is not means tested. Those with a disabling health problem such as a stroke, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure, or a psychiatric disorder, now have to fill in a form explaining how their condition affects them on 10 daily living criteria and 2 mobility activities. Usually they will then be assessed by a health professional employed by private contractors ATOS or Capita depending on where they live. Using their own judgement and taking into account any medical reports, the assessor will judge how the applicant should score on the criteria. The level of award “I’m a bit confused about depends on the points scored. The completed report will be sent to the Department of Work and Pensions the new PIP.” (DWP) decision maker. In the writer’s area ATOS is taking 24-26 weeks from referral to submitting a report to the DWP. This means that, although any benefit awarded is back dated to the day of application, for upwards of 6 months applicants will not have any additional funds to pay for care or additional costs stemming from their illness/disability. The process can be fast-tracked for anyone who is terminally ill and likely to die within 6 months by getting their doctor to submit a completed form, DS1500. To apply for PIP call 0800 917 2222 (M-F 8.00 – 18:00). For more information go to www. gov.uk/pip. If you know of someone in this position who qualifies for help from the MRBA, please advise them to contact us on 0845 652 0303. “The industry has been good to me, so to give something back, I wanted to leave the MRBA a legacy in my will,” says Nigel Spackman “I’ve been in the industry for 48 years and I’ve loved it. It’s been interesting and challenging with fun people to work with and I’ve earned a good income. Although a ‘Friend of the MRBA’ for years, all of my charitable giving mostly went to third world charities because I felt the developing world really needed more help. “But about 20 years ago, when the recession hit the industry and there were a lot of calls upon the MRBA to help interviewers and researchers in need, I thought it was a good idea to include a lump sum through a legacy to the MRBA in my will. Research Netw ork News by Adam Phillips Chairman of NFO before its acquisition by TNS, where he then became Director of UK custom research, Nigel Spackman retired from full-time work 5 years ago. “Leaving a legacy to the MRBA is pretty easy and straightforward. You just have to tell your lawyer how much you want to leave and provide the address of your chosen charity. And you can from Nigel Spackman. The Research Network exists to provide an opportunity for people who work, or have worked, in research to meet old friends and colleagues in a purely social environment. Unlike most other associations, the sole purpose of the Network is to promote fun and friendship. That’s why we don’t have a Board or a Council, just a Steering Group which organises the events, produces a newsletter and lists members’ addresses so that they can keep in touch with one another. New members are always welcome. This year our Summer Party will be at I have just taken over the chairmanship of Doggett’s Coat and Badge on 10 July and the Steering Group of the Research Network the Autumn lunch will be at The Union always increase the amount as I did, over the years. “I only mentioned that I had done this to Ian Brace recently in passing. But he explained it’s important for the MRBA to know if anyone is planning to leave a legacy because it demonstrates that their messages are getting through. I hope more colleagues out there will think about doing just that.” Still involved and active, Nigel does coaching for Simpson Carpenter and is a non-Executive Director of Network Research where he also works on a few management projects. Nigel is also a keen skier, hill walker and cyclist. Jack Club on 15 October. If you would like to come along to a lunch, it costs £30 including wine. If you are uncertain whether you will know anyone, please contact Gill Wareing who will be happy to tell you who will be there. The Research Network always welcomes new members. If you are interested in joining us, please contact our Secretary Gill Wareing at [email protected]. Our website is: www.research-network. org.uk MRBA Management Committee and Trustees Ian Brace (Chairman) • Justin Gutmann (co-opted) • Claire Harris • Margery Hancock Linda Henshall • Pat Molloy • Sue Robson • Marian Stringer Secretary-Treasurer Danielle Scott Regional Managers Delphine Anderson • Kathleen Hamilton • Mary Haynes • Janet Dewes • John Rose Sue Ward • Marian Stringer (National Cases Manager) with Mary Williams Applications for assistance should be addressed to Danielle Scott, 11 Tremayne Walk, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 1AH. Tel: [phone] • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mrba.org.uk Market Research Benevolent Association Registered Office: 15 Northburgh Street, London, EC1V 0JR Registered Charity Number 274190 The MRBA is grateful to Millward Brown and TNS UK for artworking and printing MRBA Matters, The next issue of MRBA Matters will be published in Autumn / Winter 2014. Contributions are welcome and should be sent to the Editor: Rossanne Lee-Bertram, 1 Knutscroft Lane, Thurloxton, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8RL Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected]