Co-chair update, December 2025
Dear all,
As the newly appointed co-chairs of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), we are writing to update you on its progress. The aim of this Review is to ensure that PIP is fair and fit for the future, and reflects the reality of people’s conditions and their goals and ambitions. We recognise how important this Review is to many disabled people, carers, families, and organisations, which is why we are committed to co-producing it with disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO), and a wide range of experts by experience.
This letter is the first in a series of updates we will publish as part of our commitment to transparency. We are writing jointly as the co-chairs of the Review:
Sharon Brennan
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability
Two of us, Sharon and Clenton, were recently appointed to co-chair the steering group alongside the Minister. We bring lived and living experience of disability, health, social care, and employment, alongside firsthand experience of navigating these systems. At the end of this letter, we have included more information about the experience each of us bring to these roles.
Since the appointments were confirmed at the end of October, our shared focus has been on ensuring the Review is set up so that we begin the New Year with:
a clear co-production process
an agreed plan of action aligned to the Review timetable
a strong induction programme to ensure steering group members are supported, prepared, and empowered in their roles
We have been spending time together developing a shared vision for the Review, which we look forward to refining with the steering group once appointed.
As the work progresses, we will continue to publish updates on GOV.UK.
Steering Group Appointments
As announced at the end of October, we are establishing a steering group to lead the co-production of the Review. The Expression of Interest (EOI) process was fully open, transparent, and accessible. Large print, Easy Read, audio, BSL, and Welsh language versions of the materials were provided from the outset, reflecting our commitment to ensuring that the group is accessible to all.
We set out our intention that the majority of steering group members would be disabled people or representatives of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).
This is central to our commitment that disabled people will be at the heart of the Review throughout its duration and recognises the essential role that DPOs play in amplifying disabled people’s voices.
The EOI closed at the end November. We received more than 340 applications. We are grateful both to everyone who applied and to those who helped share the opportunity across their networks.
We have now reviewed all applications against the published criteria. Drawing on the strongest applications across skills, lived and living experience, backgrounds, and representation, we are in the process of shortlisting 12 candidates. We will finalise membership shortly, and all applicants will be informed of the outcome. Our next newsletter will introduce the appointed steering group members.
Delivering co-production
We recognise that co-production requires time, resource, and skilled facilitation. To support this, we are in the process of commissioning an external organisation to help and support design and facilitate the co-production programme.
The steering group will not work alone. Once appointed, we will work with its members to design a wider programme of participation that ensures a full range of voices, experiences, and views can meaningfully shape the Review’s work. We anticipate:
an informal introductory call with the steering group in the coming weeks
induction sessions in January 2026
the beginning of deeper co-production and policy work from February onwards
Thank you for your interest and engagement so far. We look forward to writing to you again in the New Year as this important work continues.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE
Sharon Brennan
Rt Hon. Sir Stephen Timms MP
Co-chairs of the Timms Review
About us
Sharon brings expertise in person-centred approaches in the health and care system. Her previous roles include Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, and advising the Department for Transport on accessibility as a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee.
Dr Clenton brings more than 25 years’ experience as a national advocate for disability rights, co-production, and social justice. As Associate Director at Think Local Act Personal, a Trustee of Disability Rights UK, and a board member of the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), Clenton helps to shape innovative strategies that strengthen accessibility, co-production, and inclusion.
Sir Stephen Timms holds the post of Minister of State for Social Security and Disability at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). From previous ministerial roles, and as a former Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, Sir Stephen has developed expert knowledge of the issues faced by those with disabilities.