I am an experienced welfare rights expert who specialises in making the complicated benefits system understandable. I originally trained and qualified as a social worker, and then started as an advice worker at the GLC before moving to Brighton and Hove City Council’s Anti-Poverty Unit. There I undertook the full range of welfare rights work – training, publications, advice work and tribunal advocacy.  It is this range of practical experience that makes my training so effective.

At present I’m a freelance trainer and consultant on all aspects of welfare benefits. I deliver benefits courses on all levels – introductory, advanced, problem solving, information seminars, updating, small group consultancy – and try to do so with humour and clarity.

Experience

I have worked with a wide variety of public, private and third sector clients. These include councils, housing associations, law firms and charities. For a full client list click here.

Personal

I’m based in Brighton, and live with my husband, two teenage children and a couple of cats. I’m enjoying being involved in different benefits-related projects, and absorbing the details of the massive changes that welfare reform is likely to bring.

I also do a lot of singing – a good antidote to being a benefits nerd. If you’d like a laugh, click on www.thecocktailparty.co.uk and see my alter-ego, Miss Margarita!