Consider each piece of supporting information on its own merits, whether it was provided by a professional or another source.

Equal consideration doesn’t just apply to supporting information, it also applies to the individual’s application or review form. This should always be the primary source for you to make your decision.

Equal consideration means you:

• determine the importance of the information you have based on its value
• do not prejudge the importance of information based on the source or other factors

Medical information

Treat medical information in the same way as other supporting information from:

• non-medical professionals
• the individual’s wider support network

Treating medical supporting information preferentially can create mistakes in decision-making.

Personal photos or videos supplied by an individual

Some individuals may supply personal photos or videos as supporting information. This could be photos of their condition or photos of specialist equipment, such as a wheelchair or chair lift.

We do not ask individuals to submit this type of information and individuals are discouraged from submitting photos or videos.

This is because:

• not all conditions or needs can be photographed
• not all individuals will be able to take photographs or submit them
• requiring images of conditions is not treating individuals with dignity, fairness and respect

Some professionals may submit clinical photographs, such as x-rays. These are not discouraged.

Where possible, you should consider photos and videos in your decision-making when establishing an individual’s level of needs. Consider if what’s shown is useful in describing needs or impact. By submitting the photos or videos, the individual felt it was important we see them.

You should ensure you approach this format of supporting information the same way as other formats. Photos or videos and all other formats of supporting information should be treated with equal consideration. The format does not make it more important.

An image of a condition can appear more compelling than a written description of the same condition. You should not consider this information more important because you are able to see what would otherwise be described.

This ensures that individuals who do not provide photos or videos of their condition are not disadvantaged.

Photos or videos are not a replacement for a confirmation from a professional.

Some photos or videos may:

• contain distressing content
• raise child safeguarding concerns

Where either of the above apply, you should speak to your line manager.