Consultant (Currently done on Ad-Hoc basis)
Conducting a seminar on the subject of tenants with debts / multiple debts

Providing Housing Benefit to clients of the Property Rescue organisation
• One-to-one consultation
• Representation
• Dealing with all stages of dispute

• Delivering training seminars. Course duration variable. Preparation of materials as bespoke
• Tax Credits
• Pension Credits
• Overpayments
• A-Z Housing / Council Tax Benefits
• Council Tax Legislation

Employment and Support Allowance – the impact on local authorities
 Carlisle
 Bassetlaw
 South Lakeland
 Breckland
 Ceredigion
 Congleton
 Burnley

•Dealing with requests for revisions and appeals against Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Education Benefits decisions. Preparing submissions to the Tribunals Service. (in excess of 100).
•Preparing and presenting submissions in respect of any discretionary areas which fall outside of the remit of the Tribunal Service; such as Discretionary Hardship Payments and Education Appeals
•Secretary to the Welfare Benefit Adviser Liaison Meeting
System used: In-House, I-World

During the above 2 year period I was responsible for conducting training over approximately 25 days split across the above period for the following Local Authorities:
• Tamworth Borough Council
• Telford & Wrekin Borough Council
• Warrington Borough Council
• Stockport City Council
• Manchester City Council
• North East Derbyshire District Council
The courses that were successfully delivered where A-Z in Benefits for new starters, Pension Credits, Overpayments and Change of Circumstances and feedback received was of a high standard.

Developing, facilitating and delivering both training materials and sessions (system & legislation based). Responsible for the preparation and delivery of Tax Credits and Pension Credits
•Delivering training on the ‘Comino / ISE’ workflow system and its replacement; the URB system
•Examples of training responsibility: - Self Employed; Verification Framework (including outreach work at Social Services and Housing); Performance Indicator training; Rent Allowance; ‘Fast-Tracking’ (cross-tenure training for benefits staff); Induction; One-day Benefits seminars; Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit overview sessions for other departments (examples: Council Tax staff and Document Control staff)
•Devising a ‘Course Outline’ document. The purpose of which is to monitor staff progression and to ensure job competency
•Participation in ongoing development of the new starter training plan and the training of all new starters to the unit
•Representing the Council Benefits Service as part of the DWP / Local Authority consultation exercise in order to discuss: DWP training material; e-learning and ancillary aspects of staff training
•Using evaluation and feedback to determine training needs
•Contribution towards Bradford Councils achievement of IRRV Benefits Team of Year 2003
System used: In-House

Direct liaison with customers at the counter
•Representing the service at district locations (including Neighbourhood Housing Offices)
•Home visiting customers
•Attending schools in order to publicize Education Benefits
System used: In-House

•Obtaining experience and knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit legislation
•Contact with customers via the telephone
•Attending Magistrates Court hearings in order to liaise with members of staff from the Council Tax Department