Apprenticeships:
IRRV Training
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IRRV Training Provider Information
The IRRV are an approved provider listed on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP).
If your organisation is looking for an apprenticeship In Revenues and Benefits please get in touch today.
Click this button to download the IRRV's Apprenticeship brochure IRRV's Apprenticeship Brochure
Flexible Training
Our tailored apprenticeship training programmes are delivered in the workplace or at a specified location. This will enable the student to achieve the 20% off the job training while minimising the impact on your apprentices’ daily responsibilities.
IRRV Training Services
From bespoke training, online learning, training days and conferences, we offer a range of added value services to ensure your apprenticeship programme is a success.
End Point Assessment
We’ll manage the relationship with your chosen End Point Assessment Organisation and ensure your apprentices complete their programme as smoothly as possible.
Experience
We have a proven and lengthy track record in delivering courses and training in England and Europe.The IRRV have considerable experience in training staff in all aspects of Revenues and Benefits. Course materials are written by nationally renowned experts, Gary Watson IRRV (Hons) and Roger Bowen IRRV. Between them they have over 70 years technical experience. Face to Face and virtual training is delivered by highly experienced, IRRV qualified, experts. These members of staff also undertake the role of ‘Portfolio Tutor’ for our apprentices, which aids consistency and allows for excellent communication and supportive relationships to develop throughout the course.
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IRRV Training Products
The IRRV have a variety of training products, which are used to deliver apprenticeship training. This enables those who are learning to understand the depth and breadth of Revenues and Benefits services. The aim of the IRRV training products is to give the learner an all round knowledge within all aspects of the Revenues and Benefits fields. All training listed below is used in apprenticeships and bespoke training as agreed with employers
Legislation / Administration Training
The Institute offers top quality training in a wide range of subjects. The courses are designed to appeal to staff that need to understand all aspects of revenues, benefits and subject specific areas (either at introductory, general or expert levels).
Our trainers are extremely experienced practitioners with expert subject knowledge and use a variety of different teaching styles to suit each group.
As well as holding courses nationwide we also deliver a bespoke in house training service. The training is tailored specifically to the client's requirements. Courses are currently being delivered virtually due to the COVID-19 restrictions. We offer:- Introduction to Council Tax, Business Rates, Welfare Benefits and Administration courses.
- Master class course in Council Tax, Business Rates, Welfare Benefits and Administration courses
Professional Meetings
Topical seminars are delivered throughout the year by experienced officers of the Institute, a few examples of the many meetings and training days which have taken place include:
- Representing the Council at the Magistrates Court
- Representing the Council at the Valuation Tribunal
- Dealing with Vulnerability in a Revenues Environment
- Non-Domestic Rate: Administration of Reliefs
- Service of Completion Notices
- Telephone Debt Collection.
- A to Z Courses (Benefits, Council Tax and Business Rates)
- An Introduction to Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery
Forum Meetings
Quarterly regional meetings with a technical update with expert guest speakers i.e. representatives from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (DLUHC), the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) focussing on topical issues, provide you with all the legislative and policy changes that are coming up within Revenues and Benefits.
Conferences
Spring Conference and Exhibition
There are to be two separate streams running throughout the conference; one focussing on Welfare Benefits and the other on Revenues and Enforcement.All full conference passes include access to all days and all professional streams along with access to the exhibition. Day passes allow access to all professional streams on the given day along with access to the exhibition.
Annual Conference and Exhibition
All full conference passes include access to all days and all professional streams, Revenues & Welfare Benefits; Enforcement and Valuation/Rating.Day passes allow access to all sessions and, if applicable, all streams on the given day along with access to the exhibition.
Remote Webinars
Webinars (Generic Topics)
Webinars (Legislation)
Webinars (Employability 'Soft' skills)This would involve attendance at webinars run for Forum Members or, where specific to the apprenticeship content, these would be run in support of virtual or face-to-face training.
Off-Site Work
This would be planned by the Institute and the employer. This may include visiting courts / tribunals, other authorities.
Off-Site Research
This would be planned by the Institute and the employer. This will include projects set by the Institute, watching subject specific TV programmes, reading publications, viewing web sites etc.)
Direct Tuition
This would be achieved in the classroom or electronically using conference facilities of interactive Webinars.
Support Training
This would include ‘introduction’, ‘refresher’ and ‘end-point assessment preparation’ days.
Costs
For full details of costs (including terms and conditions), please contact the IRRV. Costs will be negotiated with employers based on each individual learning plan.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details:
Email: rowena.hunter@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 691 8992
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IRRV Apprenticeship Team
The Institute has a dedicated team delivering the IRRV's Apprenticeship Scheme.
Meet the Team
Ms Sue Williams-Lee IRRV (Hons) - Head of Educational Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sue is Head of Educational Services and a member of the IRRV’s senior management team. Her role has responsibility for all IRRV Professional Qualifications and the Level 4 Revenues and Welfare Benefits Practitioner Apprenticeship Scheme.
Prior to joining the Institute, Sue had a 27 year career in Local Government in two Local Authorities in Leicestershire. She was a member of the joint management team, which brought together a Shared Service Partnership in Leicestershire, comprised of the Revenues and Benefits departments from North West Leicestershire District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Harborough District Council.
Sue is a member of both the East Midlands and West Midlands IRRV Associations. She was a member of the West Midlands Executive Committee from 2003 to 2010 where she was elected West Midlands Association President for two years between 2007 and 2009.
An examiner and moderator for the Institute’s professional examinations since 2017, Sue also speaks at industry events, writes regular articles for the IRRV’s monthly professional journal, Insight, and has tutored on the Level 3 Certificate day release course.
Contact Details
Email: sue.williams-lee@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8978
Work Mobile: 0777 652 6497
Mr Gary Watson IRRV (Hons) - IRRV Chief Executive
Gary became the Chief Executive of the Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation (IRRV) in July 2022. Prior to this he was the Deputy Chief Executive, a role he had undertaken since 2008. Until his appointment as Chief Executive, he had been an elected member of the IRRV National Council since 1990, serving as National President in 2002/03. He was a past chair of both the Education Committee and Local Taxation and Revenues Faculty Board. At a local level, Gary was an elected member of the London & Home Counties Association Executive for over 25 years and served as its Chairman in 1993/94 until standing down in 2011. More recently, he has assumed the unofficial role of historian for the Institute.
In addition to presenting papers at National Conferences, Seminars, Forums and Association Meetings, Gary writes articles for each edition of ‘Insight’; the monthly journal of the Institute. He was a contributor to the Practice Notes on Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rate when they were first produced by Government and now acts as editor of Council Tax Law and Practice and Rating Law & Practice; both publications produced by the Institute. At present, he is the Institute’s representative on a number of working groups convened by Government and its agencies.
A lecturer on Day / Block Release since 1984, he is currently author / tutor in four subjects (Introduction to Council Tax, Introduction to Non-Domestic Rate, Council Tax Law & Practice & Non-Domestic Rate Law & Practice) on the Institute’s Distance Learning Programme. He is the course organiser of the Institute’s Pre-Examination Courses and remains an examiner and moderator in a number of subjects. Since 2004, he has been co-ordinator of the Institute’s Performance Awards.
Contact Details
Email: gary.watson@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 07887 804177
Mrs Dolores Fergus IRRV (EQA/EPA) - Quality Assurance and Compliance Coordinator and Safeguarding Officer
Dolores joined the Institute in 2007 as a Policy Officer for vocational qualifications.
Before joining the Institute Dolores managed 27 branches of Lloyds/TSB vocational qualifications Level 2 and 3 in customer service. She also managed 17 branches of Lloyds/TSB as an access developer, which included monitoring procedural standards and devising courses. She has been working in the field of vocational training for 21 years.
Her key Apprenticeship resposibilities are to manage quality assurance, lead on standardisation of apprenticeship pathways and the review / redesign of the curriculum. Part of Dolores's role is to provide guidance and ongoing support and advice to Apprenticeship Tutors, apprentices and workplace mentors.
Contact Details
Email: dolores.fergus@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8981
Work Mobile: 07384 547034
(Working days: Mondays to Wednesdays)
Mr Roger Bowen IRRV - Apprenticeship and Training Officer and Safeguarding Officer
Roger is an Apprenticeship Portfolio Tutor and Trainer who has specialised in Housing Benefit for 20 years, the majority of his Housing Benefit career was spent as a training officer prior to joining the IRRV in June 2019. Roger being of mature years has worked in a number of areas including 15 years as a training manager in retail. He has also worked for a number of Local Authorities as a contractor and has gained experience in different authorities policies and procedures, which has been extremely useful in helping trainees and apprentices appreciate a variety of working practices. Roger or 'Quincy' as we like to call him(!) spent the first 8 years of his career as a Medical Pathologist.
Roger is also responsible for updating the IRRV's Welfare Benefits online learning products and is a Distance Learning tutor for 'Introduction to Welfare Benefits' (Level 3 Certificate) and 'Welfare Benefits Law and Practice' (Diploma Level).
Contact Details
Email: roger.bowen@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8971
Work Mobile: 07796 107591
Mrs Melissa Oliver Tech IRRV (EPA) - Apprenticeship and Training Officer
Melissa is an Apprenticeship Portfolio Tutor and Revenues Trainer, who joined the IRRV in October 2019. She is responsible for providing training and support for students undertaking the IRRV level 4 Revenues and Welfare Benefits Practitioner Apprenticeship. Previously Melissa worked in local government for over 17 years, many of which, Melissa spent as a Revenues Training Officer, providing support to new recruits.
Through this new role Melissa is providing help and support to many new apprentices, helping them to achieve a qualification which will help build confidence and career opportunities.
Melissa is the team's lead officer for End Point Assessment and regularly liaises with End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs), apprentices and employers.
Contact Details
Email: melissa.oliver@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8977
Work Mobile: 07901 199104
Mr Adam Fairclough IRRV (Hons) - Apprenticeship and Training Officer
Adam is an Apprenticeship Portfolio Tutor and Revenues Trainer, who has 13 years of experience in local government, prior to joining the IRRV in November 2019.
Adam has developed a broad knowledge of both revenues and benefits by performing a number of roles such as clerical assistant, revenues officer, benefits officer, a senior revenues and benefits liaison officer and most latterly being a senior revenues officer. In addition Adam worked as an independent contractor for a number of authorities primarily in the Kent area.
Adam is looking to share his knowledge and experience and is passionate about helping apprentices develop their understanding and skill set in order for them to reach their full potential.
Contact Details
Email: adam.fairclough@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8980
Work Mobile: 07901 245737
Mr Stephen Fletcher IRRV (Tech) - Apprenticeship and Training Officer
Steve worked in the Benefits Team for over 20 years for Wealden District Council. He started in an administration role, worked up to assessing, and then into a senior role. He has experience as a Team Leader and his most recent role, prior to joining the Institute, was Benefits Training Officer. He attained the IRRV Level 3 Certificate in 2017. The Institute’s Qualification Management Board chose Steve as a national prize winner due to him being the highest performing candidate in that year.
Steve is looking forward to working with IRRV Apprentices and supporting them to achieve success.
Contact Details
Email: stephen.fletcher@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8988
Miss Catherine Colborne IRRV - Apprenticeship and Training Officer
Catherine has over 18 years’ experience in local government prior to joining the IRRV. Catherine started as a Benefits Assessor and after a few years the opportunity to deliver the induction training for new Benefit staff became available and that’s when Catherine knew learning and development was the career path for her. Over the last 16 years She has delivered training both for her own authority and a number of other local authorities, creating bespoke learning packages in both revenues and benefits theory, along with supporting a number of local authorities in the role out of Universal Credit. In 2016 I study for a level 5 diploma in learning and development and continue to maintain my own personal development so that I can use those skills along with my theory knowledge in supporting apprentices through their journey.
Contact Details
Email: catherine.colborne@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8996
Ms Rowena Hunter - Apprenticeship Coordinator
Rowena joined the IRRV in 2009 as a membership officer and is now in the role of Apprenticeship Coordinator. Prior to this, she worked in various administrative / PA roles with a number of local authorities and charities.
Rowena is now primarily, the first point of contact for those interested in our apprenticeship, as well as enrolment and together with the rest of the team, helps in the smooth running and delivery of the apprenticeship.
Contact Details
Email: rowena.hunter@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8992
(Working days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
Mrs Alexandra Chiverton (Wednesdays and Thursdays) - Apprenticeship Administrator Officer
Alex joined the IRRV in September 2022 as an Apprenticeship Administration Officer. Prior to this, Alex’s career has involved various supply chain roles in the fashion, equestrian and pet food industries; and running her own business producing innovative equestrian fashion accessories. Alex is qualified at RHS Level 2 and 3 in Horticulture, and runs her own garden maintenance business alongside her IRRV work. With her wealth of personal experience of in-work studying, Alex is well-placed to support our apprentices achieve their learning goals.
Contact Details
Team Email: Apprenticeships@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8994
(Working days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Miss Faye Latimer (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) - Apprenticeship Administrator
Faye joined IRRV in September 2023 as an Apprenticeship Administrator. Prior to this Faye has had experience in various administration roles and in her first role as office administrator for the mortgage complaints department for Barclays bank, she also went through a business and administration apprenticeship with CFA skills.
As Faye has previous knowledge of what it is like on the other side of an apprenticeship, she is keen to help and support with the smooth running of the delivery of the apprenticeship for the learners and the tutors.
Contact Details
Email: faye.latimer@irrv.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7691 8994
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IRRV Mission Statement and Supporting Policies
The IRRV (est. 1882)
A Tradition of Professional and Educational Excellence
Our Mission
Excellence in professional qualifications
To deliver excellence in professional qualifications and apprenticeships.
To support IRRV student and apprentice members to build exceptional competencies in the workplace.
To support Practitioners in developing progressive careers.
Promote the interests of members
To promote the interests of its individual and organisational members, at every level, through its lobbying of Government.
To deliver bespoke training to employers.
To provide high quality professional qualifications.
Support & Represent IRRV members
To respond to high profile Government consultations and contribute to policy development.
To represent IRRV members on Government steering groups.
To support IRRV members and their families facing difficult personal circumstances with donations from its benevolent fund.
Safeguarding & Values
To keep our learners and staff safe, by training all staff and learners on Safeguarding and Prevent duties / reporting procedures, and by raising awareness of their importance in protecting our learners.
To embed British Values into the every day running of IRRV, ensuring that learners and tutors understand the importance of establishing a learning space, which is respectful and tolerant of different faiths and freedom of speech.
IRRV Organisational Policies and Procedures
Safeguarding and Prevent Policy
Complaints Reporting and Handling Policy
Continuity of Apprenticeship Training Policy
Bullying and Harassment Policy
Initial Assessment of Prior Learning Policy
Apprenticeships - Engaging with Employers Policy
Process for Evaluating Quality of Training and Outcomes
Process for the Delivery of English and Maths
Staff Continual Professional Development Policy
IRRV Additional Learning Support Policy
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IRRV Safeguarding and Prevent
We are committed to the protection and safety of our members, staff, students and apprentices.
We want you to feel that you can come to us with your concerns, whether about yourself or a fellow member or student / apprentice.
The IRRV is committed to providing a safe environment for young people and vulnerable adults, identifying young people and vulnerable adults who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm and to taking appropriate action to ensure that such individuals are kept safe, in the workplace, at home or whilst studying with the IRRV.
The IRRV is also committed to providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep themselves and others safe. Education, like other key sectors, has a responsibility to promote values of openness and tolerance and to facilitate free debate, which is characteristic of being a British citizen. It is in this context that the IRRV provides the following policies and information.
Reporting Safeguarding and / or Prevent related incidents
If you have concerns about your own safety or the safety of a colleague or a fellow learner, you should not hesitate to contact one of the IRRV Safeguarding Officers below. They will deal with the disclosure discretely, but cannot promise confidentiality, as anything that is raised may need to be reported to the relevant authority, for example the police, the local authority or social services, especially if there is a risk of immediate harm.
If you, or someone you know, is subject to any form of abuse or at risk of being radicalised, you must report this as soon as possible. You can contact your employer's safeguarding team / HR, or, if this is in relation to your studies with the IRRV, to an IRRV Safeguarding Officer. They will complete a form noting down all factual details about the incident and then refer this to specialist, fully trained, partner organisations, for them to take this forward. It is very important that information is shared, as, what may seem like a small, insignificant piece of information, when shared with other organsiations, may complete the picture in terms of the regularity and / or severity of an abusive or extremist situation.
Raising concerns in a timely manner may prevent much more serious incidents occurring at a later date.
IRRV Safeguarding Team
Ms Sue Williams-Lee IRRV (Hons) - Head of Educational Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Email: safeguarding@irrv.org.uk
Direct Line: 020 7691 8978
Work Mobile: 07776 526497
Ms Dee Fergus IRRV - Quality Assurance and Compliance Coordinator and Safeguarding Officer
Email: safeguarding@irrv.org.uk
Direct Line: 020 7691 8981
Work Mobile: 07384 547034
Mr Roger Bowen IRRV - Apprenticeship Officer and Safeguarding Officer
Email: safeguarding@irrv.org.uk
Work Mobile: 07796 107591
IRRV Values Statements
The IRRV is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The IRRV is committed to the development of positive policies to promote equal opportunities in employment and in the delivery of our services, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity or trade union membership status. This commitment will apply to recruitment and selection practices, training and development, promotion and in the application of national and local agreements in respect of pay and conditions of service.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
If any employee considers that she or he is the subject of unequal treatment on any of the above grounds, a complaint may be made through the agreed procedures for dealing with grievances.
The IRRV is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of staff and apprentices. We will respond robustly to all concerns about the safety and welfare of staff and students. This commitment applies equally to apprentices that we work with directly and those that we come into contact with. We expect all staff to share this commitment.
Where appropriate, successful applicants for IRRV posts will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
IRRV Policies
Safeguarding and Prevent Policy
Further Help Available
The following organisations can provide further help and support.
Mental Health Services
Mind (For Better Mental Health) - Telephone Number: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm)
NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing - Links to various advice pages.
Mental Health - 10 Keys to Happier Living Poster
How to Make Stress your Friend - TED Talk - Kelly McGonigal
NHS Advice - 7 Tips for working from home
Support for people who are subject to forms of abuse
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) - Telephone Number: 0808 800 5000 (24 hours)
Refuge - National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Telephone Number: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours free)
Victim Support - Telephone Number: 0808 168 9111 (24 hours)
Childline - Telephone Number: 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Respect - Men's Advice Line - Telephone Number: 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm or 8pm)
National Centre for Domestic Violence - Telephone Number: 0207 186 8270
Hourglass (Safer Aging, Stopping Abuse) - Telephone Number: 0808 808 8141 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm)
Emotional Support
Cruse Bereavement - Telephone Number: 0800 808 1677 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm)
Samaritans - Telephone Number: 116 123 (24 hours free)
How to report suspected terrorist activities, radicalisation, extremist content and online grooming
Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism
Anti-terrorism reporting App: #iREPORTit is a new free app allowing people to anonymously report online content promoting violent extremism. Download it today so you’ve got it when you need it.
Apple iOS:https://apps.apple.com/app/id1527456430
Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ravenscience.ireportit
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IRRV Equality and Diversity
Equality and Diversity
Equality is about ‘creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to achieve their potential’ regardless of their age, ethnicity nationality, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, martial or civil partnership status or gender reassignment.
By eliminating discrimination and prejudice IRRV can foster a training culture that is individualised, fair and diverse, contributing to a society that is learning centred and making individuals more economically viable in the workforce.
An equalities approach understands that who we are as individuals will impact on our life experiences. Diversity literally means difference. When it is used alongside or in addition to equality, it is about recognising individual and group differences, treating people as individuals, placing positive value on diversity in the workforce and in the community.
Why Equality and Diversity is so Important
Equality and Diversity are important in all aspects of our lives, work and learning to ensure:
- We are able to respond appropriately and sensitively to an increasingly diverse society
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That successful implementation of equality and diversity will lead to staff, learners, employer and other customers being valued, motivated and treated fairly.
Equality Statement
To provide a working and learning environment that is free of discrimination. Where discrimination of any form is deemed to be unacceptable and where everyone is treated equally regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, belief, age, mental or physical health or sexual orientation.
Tackling issues of discrimination and promoting positive relationships with people is completely consistent with our desire to promote professional and educational excellence.
IRRV Values Statement
The IRRV is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The IRRV is committed to the development of positive policies to promote equal opportunities in employment and in the delivery of our services, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity or trade union membership status. This commitment will apply to recruitment and selection practices, training and development, promotion and in the application of national and local agreements in respect of pay and conditions of service.
IRRV Policies
Safeguarding and Prevent Policy