Barbara Blake Email & Phone Number

Experience in Local Govt within benefits, customer welfare, and Deputyship. Abilities in developing services, reshaping teams, implementing change, developing staff, managing and profiling budgets within the welfare reform arenaKey strengths• Management: successfully managed teams through legislative and structural changes whilst maintaining services • Communication: experience in engaging with range of stakeholders, including customers (internal/external), 3rd sector organisations• Analytical skills: Ensured working in accordance with constantly changing legislation, adhering to local/national best practice. Confident in analysing and interpreting complex information, compiling statistical reports and presenting to groups• Coaching/Mentoring: successfully developed under performing teams/individuals to strengthen both personal and business effectivenessWork related achievements• Successfully managed changes to Deputyship/Appointee Team to improve best interest decisions, referral process to the service and bringing in line with OPG best practice guides• Instrumental in developing DHP scheme since 2012 to incorporate local policy changes to best support welfare reforms which had prompted an increase in funds from below £20K to just under £200,000 for 17/18. Created a scheme for welfare grants to consider needs of most vulnerable. Profiling spend within allocated LA/govt funds ensuring most vulnerable customers supported. Engaged and working with 3rd sector to evolve holistic approach to discretionary schemes• Successful implementation of virtual account management of client managed funds within Deputyship • Made changes to charging structure for Appointee and Deputy cases with the aim of working toward a more cost neutral service• Managed successful transition into Universal Credit full service with Benefits Manager• Implementation of changes to HB due to welfare reforms – including SSSC and Ben Cap. Ensured impact to customer/service minimised

Listed skills include Public Sector, Team Leadership, Management, Change Management, and 20 others.