Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Carol Barron

South Shields,Tyne and Wear

Summary

Results-oriented Benefits Officer with expertise in claims processing and entitlement determination. Investigates fraudulent claims to uphold compliance and system integrity. Collaborates with multi-agency partners to enhance service delivery and decision-making. Skilled in interpreting complex regulations, maximising benefit entitlements, and fostering positive client relationships to deliver effective solutions.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Benefits Officer

South Tyneside Council
South Shields, Tyne and Wear
11.2017 - Current

Determine entitlement to all benefit types with accountable, accurate decisions.

Review benefit claims regularly and authorise allocation and notification of adjustments.

Investigate potential fraudulent claims proactively and make compliant referrals.

Apply DWP CIS procedures consistently, safeguarding system security and access.

Lead liaison with internal and external agencies, including DWP Pension Service and rent officer.

Own accurate information gathering by conducting personal interviews with the public.

Take responsibility for telephone and written enquiries and reception cover when needed.

Drive improved decision-making by identifying other means-tested benefits for advice.

Deliver required quality assurance and compliance checks to standard.

Administrative Officer

South Tyneside Council
South Shields, Tyne and Wear
06.2001 - 11.2017
  • Provide expert procurement advice and support across corporate sourcing activities.
    Oversee performance tracking and reporting against clearly defined measurement criteria.
    Recommend procurement improvement opportunities based on analysis and practical evidence.
    Coordinate documentation production by analysing information and selecting suitable formats.
    Lead guidance for staff using internal systems for reports and statistics.
    Own preparation of information required for statutory returns submission.
    Maintain business data through regular monitoring, checks, and updates.
    Deliver consistent administrative support for ad hoc business needs.
    Account for face to face, telephone, and email enquiry handling end to end.
    Direct resolution of internal and external queries through professional communication.
    Coordinate general administration support across multiple departments as required.
    Take responsibility for petty cash handling in line with governance rules.
    Manage purchase order creation using Oracle for accurate procurement records.
    Coordinate enquiry responses for stakeholders via telephone, email, and letters.
    Own travel arrangements by booking trains, hotels, flights, and taxis.
    Oversee database updates to keep operational records aligned and current.

Clerical Officer

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
South Shields, Tyne and Wear
04.1994 - 06.2001
  • Coordinated X-ray filing alongside telephone and face-to-face enquiry handling.
    Managed appointment booking and oversaw reception workflow for patients.
    Directed X-ray sorting for reporting and maintained patient records databases.

Hairdressing Apprentice

Various
South Shields, Tyne and Wear
06.1991 - 02.1994
  • Coordinated appointment bookings for hairdressing through face-to-face and telephone enquiries, ensuring efficient scheduling for clients.

Education

Welfare Benefits

IRRV
South Shields,
01-2023

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management and Leadership

Gateshead College
Gateshead
01-2014

Foundation Degree in Arts - Business Management and Leadership

Gateshead College
Gateshead
01-2013

NVQ Level 2 - Customer Service

Talent Training
01-2010

Certificate of Higher Education - Business

Newcastle College
Newcastle upon Tyne
01-2005

Introductory Management

South Tyneside College
South Shields
01-2003

NVQ Level 3 - Business Administration

South Tyneside College
South Shields
01-2002

NVQ Level 2 - Business Administration

Chuter Ede Education Centre
South Shields
01-1995

NVQ Level 2 - Hairdressing

Data Northern
Newcastle upon Tyne,
01-1993

GCSEs -

Mortimer Comprehensive School
South Shields,
01-1991

Skills

  • Benefits administration
  • Claims management
  • Fraud prevention
  • Compliance auditing
  • Quality assurance
  • Records management
  • Digital record keeping
  • Client assessment
  • Information gathering
  • Risk management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Process improvement
  • Client communication
  • Customer service excellence
  • Professionalism
  • Communication skills
  • Active listening
  • Decision making
  • Relationship building
  • Employee relations
  • Multi-agency collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Customer care
  • Computer literacy
  • General administration
  • Organised approach
  • Stress tolerance
  • Self-motivation
  • Negotiation expertise
  • Client confidentiality
  • Negotiation expertise
  • Digital record keeping

Timeline

Benefits Officer

South Tyneside Council
11.2017 - Current

Administrative Officer

South Tyneside Council
06.2001 - 11.2017

Clerical Officer

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
04.1994 - 06.2001

Hairdressing Apprentice

Various
06.1991 - 02.1994

Welfare Benefits

IRRV

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management and Leadership

Gateshead College

Foundation Degree in Arts - Business Management and Leadership

Gateshead College

NVQ Level 2 - Customer Service

Talent Training

Certificate of Higher Education - Business

Newcastle College

Introductory Management

South Tyneside College

NVQ Level 3 - Business Administration

South Tyneside College

NVQ Level 2 - Business Administration

Chuter Ede Education Centre

NVQ Level 2 - Hairdressing

Data Northern

GCSEs -

Mortimer Comprehensive School
Carol Barron