Joanne Bliss-Bennett

I have worked for the local authority since I was 21 and have spent 19 years within Income & Awards (Revenues and Benefits). Over that time, I’ve built up extensive experience, but I wanted to formalise my knowledge and have a recognised qualification to show for the work, skills, and expertise I’ve developed. Studying for the IRRV qualification felt like the right way to do that, and it has helped me progress from IRRV Technician to Diploma level.

Distance learning was the ideal method for me. With a busy workload and family commitments, I needed something flexible that I could fit around my life while still learning at a structured pace.

One of the standout parts of the course was the support from Roger, my tutor. He was genuinely amazing—clear in his explanations, patient, and incredibly encouraging. His guidance gave me the confidence I needed to step up from Technician to Diploma level and believe in my ability to take that next step.

The online resources were also invaluable, especially the live tutor sessions, webinars, and pre‑exam courses. They helped me understand the more complex areas of the syllabus and pull everything together ahead of assessments.

Completing the IRRV course has brought real benefits. It has strengthened my technical knowledge, increased my confidence in decision‑making, and validated almost two decades of practical experience. It has also helped me prepare to climb the career ladder, giving me the formal training and accreditation I need to keep progressing.

The new study approach and online portal made the whole experience smoother and more accessible, with well‑organised materials that supported effective independent learning.

I would absolutely recommend the IRRV distance learning route to other practitioners. It offers flexibility, strong academic support, and a clear pathway for professional development—whether you’re new to the field or, like me, wanting to formalise your long-standing experience.