WALLY JIAGOO
Hastings,East Sussex
Summary
An advanced Housing Benefits professional with over 20 years’ service in local authority Revenues and Benefits, with extensive technical knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction across complex caseloads. I have a strong understanding of the importance of precision, consistency, and procedural compliance in safeguarding public funds.
Extensive experience conducting quality assurance reviews, identifying financial and procedural errors, and producing corrective recommendations to minimise subsidy risk and improve assessment accuracy.
Having completed Housing Benefit Assurance Process (HBAP) training and gained observational exposure to assurance sampling and error classification, I understand how assessment standards directly affect subsidy outcomes. I bring a methodical, analytical approach to reviewing cases, supported by advanced system knowledge including Civica and Northgate (NEC).
Focused, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven, I am motivated to apply my expertise and knowledge to support accurate subsidy work, assurance activities, and continuous service improvement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work history
Housing Benefits Assessment Officer
NEC Software Solutions Ltd
2024.09 - 2026.08
- Managing substantial caseloads of benefit claims for multiple councils across the UK, delivering accurate and timely assessments in line with legislative requirements.
- Registering and assessing all categories of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims across all tenure types, including new claims, changes in circumstances, student claims, persons from abroad, and self-employed cases.
- Administering Universal Credit and ATLAS caseloads with precision, ensuring seamless processing and compliance.
- Liaising with external departments such as DWP, Pension Service, Rent Collection, Council Tax teams, private landlords, housing associations, and employers to resolve complex cases and maintain service standards.
Screenwriter
Freelance
2021.10 - 2024.08
- Commissioned to develop and deliver episodes for a number of BBC television productions.
- Consistently produced high-quality scripts to professional broadcast standards, strengthening advanced research capability, analytical thinking, and rigorous deadline management under industry pressure.
Housing Benefits Assessment Officer
Richmond & Wandsworth Borough Council
2009.01 - 2021.10
- Registered and assessing the full spectrum of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support/Reduction across all tenure types, including new claims, changes in circumstances, student claims, persons from abroad, and self-employed claims, ensuring accuracy and fastidious compliance.
- Managing Universal Credit and ATLAS caseloads efficiently, maintaining high processing standards and timely case resolution.
- Liaise with external departments such as DWP, Pension Service, Rent Collection, Council Tax teams, private landlords, housing associations, and employers to resolve complex cases and safeguard service delivery.
- Conduct first-time claimant appointments, addressing complex Housing Benefit enquiries such as overpayments, rent arrears, and providing clear, authoritative guidance on benefit entitlement while explaining legislation in an accessible manner.
- Undertake robust quality assurance checks to identify financial and procedural errors, minimising the risk of DWP subsidy loss. Produce clear, actionable reports for officers outlining errors and corrective actions, and deliver analytical summaries to the senior Quality Team to identify trends, and inform targeted training initiatives.
Customer Services Officer
Wandsworth Borough Council
2005.06 - 2008.12
- Resolve complex customer enquiries relating to Housing Benefit and Council Tax with authority and accuracy, providing clear, legislation-based guidance and practical solutions.
- Communicate critical and case-specific information to the Benefits Assessment Team promptly and precisely, ensuring informed decision-making and seamless case progression.
SAL1/ARC Project Worker
Home Office - Croydon
2002.09 - 2004.01
- Lead the fingerprinting process for newly arrived asylum seekers, ensuring strict adherence to security, identity verification, and data protection protocols.
- Accurately input and rigorously cross-check personal data with external departments prior to the issuance of identity documentation, safeguarding integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Film & Animation
Arts University Bournemouth
Skills
- Successfully completed Housing Benefit Assurance Process (HBAP) training in 2021, gaining a comprehensive understanding of DWP subsidy assurance methodology
- Gained observational exposure to live assurance sampling, error classification, and CAKE (Cumulative Assurance Knowledge & Experience) procedures through shadowing and workbook-based exercises
- Proficient understanding of HBAP methodology, audit documentation standards, and subsidy assurance requirements
- Advanced user of iWorld/Northgate (NEC) Revenue & Benefits systems
- Advanced user of Civica, CIS and VEP systems (DWP)
- French/Creole native speaker
Timeline
Housing Benefits Assessment Officer
NEC Software Solutions Ltd
2024.09 - 2026.08
Screenwriter
Freelance
2021.10 - 2024.08
Housing Benefits Assessment Officer
Richmond & Wandsworth Borough Council
2009.01 - 2021.10
Customer Services Officer
Wandsworth Borough Council
2005.06 - 2008.12
SAL1/ARC Project Worker
Home Office - Croydon
2002.09 - 2004.01
Bachelor of Arts - Film & Animation
Arts University Bournemouth