Request for Support with Bereavement Research – DWP Maternity Allowance Project

Matthew Kenward, External Stakeholder Engagement Manager at DWP requests support with research the experiences of parents engaging with Maternity Allowance, with a particular focus on those who have faced the devastating loss of a baby through stillbirth or neonatal death. They would like to engage with organisations who have extensive experience in this area.

Request for Support with Bereavement Research – DWP Maternity Allowance Project

Good afternoon,

I’m writing on behalf of the Maternity Allowance Digital Team at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Colleagues are currently conducting research to better understand the experiences of parents engaging with Maternity Allowance, with a particular focus on those who have faced the devastating loss of a baby through stillbirth or neonatal death.

Our aim is to ensure that the service we provide is sensitive, accessible, and meets the needs of bereaved parents during such a difficult time. To achieve this, we are seeking insights from organisations who have extensive experience supporting parents through bereavement. It would be helpful if you could share this request or advise us of any stakeholders who you believe could support with this important project.

Any knowledge that can be shared—whether from previous research, best practices, or anecdotal evidence—would be invaluable in helping us shape a service that truly supports parents in these circumstances.

Melissa Cotcher, our Senior User Researcher, would be happy to arrange a conversation with any contacts you have who can support with this research. You can reach her at digital.maresearch@dwp.gov.uk.

Thank you for considering this request. Your input could make a real difference in improving the experience for bereaved parents.

Best regards

Matthew Kenward | External Stakeholder Engagement Manager | Department for Work and Pensions | Digital and Transformation GroupRoss On Wye JCP, Cantilupe Road, Ross On Wye HR9 7ANwww.gov.uk(link is external)