How to change a DWP appointeeship?

In the event that an appointee no longer wishes to act, and is able to nominate another, they can fill out a request form (BF58) to relinquish their authority. However, if the current appointee cannot demonstrate a valid argument for how this change being made is in the person’s best interest, the DWP may ask them to reconsider. For the new appointee to change the authority over, they will then be required to go through the application process as usual.

Sometimes the case may be that the individual is unhappy with their appointee. If they have the capacity to select an alternative, they may also request this change be made. More often than not, these issues develop from a general unhappiness with additional money request denials. Any concerns will always be understood as genuine in the first instance.

Appointees may be able to demonstrate valid reasoning or wider safeguarding concerns that have formed the basis of these decisions. The DWP will take all reasonable concerns into account when considering the continued suitability of the service.

On this note, the Mental Capacity Act (2005) does allow for vulnerable individuals to make ‘unwise decisions’. This follows the assumption that an individual has capacity until proven otherwise. However, this does not account for the difficult decision-making that many appointees face when safeguarding clients and their finances.

For further information, please download our appointeeship guide.

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Appointeeship, Deputyship, Power of Attorney