My action since participating in a consultation

This article is an update on my actions since my involvement in a consultation

After the government's consultation and reviewing its findings, I have undertaken a number of related initiatives.

Background
This article is based on my participation in a consultation led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The consultation focused on the government’s proposal to reform the welfare system in order to enable more people with disabilities and difficulties to access employment.

My participation involved developing two insight and analysis documents. These documents not only responded directly to the questions set by the DWP, but also provided wider analysis, lived-experience insight, and constructive solutions.

In November 2025, the DWP published its findings from the consultation.
My Representation Was Ignored
Despite the significant effort I put into enabling the government to take a more considerate and balanced approach to its proposals, none of my contributions were taken into account. My input, analysis, and solutions developed as part of the consultation were completely ignored.

Actions Taken
Due to my dissatisfaction with how the DWP handled my involvement in the consultation process, I submitted a formal complaint to the department.

My complaint is based on the following factors:
1. The language and narrative of the proposal document
The way the proposals were written, and how lived experiences were represented, was rhetorically dehumanising and offensive. The narrative demonised people with disabilities and difficulties who are held back from employment opportunities.

2. Misrepresentation of disabilities and neurodivergent
I provided examples of how my voice was ignored and how the department misrepresented people with disabilities and difficulties, including individuals like myself, as neurodivergent.

3. Fueling hostility through political and media narratives
The proposals and language used by members of the government and commentators have contributed to increased hostility within the press and media coverage. I also explained how this has directly resulted in me facing increasing levels of discrimination while integrating and functioning in society.

My complaint was submitted with a formal cover letter and two digital supporting documents.

Video Blog
In addition to my formal complaint to the DWP, I am developing a video blog addressing how my efforts to promote a fair, balanced, and constructive approach to the government’s proposals were ignored.
Within the video, I emphasised that government proposals must never be used as justification to fuel ableism, discrimination, prejudice, or hatred in any form.
The video is to available soon to view on selected social media platforms

Plus Value Awareness Platforms
The video and related content to be available soon on the Plus Value Awareness Instagram page.


Personal and General Platforms
The content is also to be available soon on my LinkedIn profile and my general Instagram page.

View and download my Consultation documents
The two publications I have developed for the DWP consultation is available to download and online. Just visit the publication page link for details



This article is linked with the following development catagories

Notice to Editors:

Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant

With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.

Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000, he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also are involved with salsa classes in the local community as an assistant. Also have participated in major dancing conventions twice a year at Birmingham's NEC for Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity.

In 2022, Keith become a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the commonwealth games.