About HB Anorak

I am Peter Barker, a freelance Benefits specialist trading under the name HB Anorak. I have worked in Benefits since 1985 in a variety of roles including policy, training, appeals and complaints. I am well known among Benefits practitioners all over the country through my contributions to discussion forums and regular appearances as a trainer/speaker at public events.

I spend a great deal of time researching original source materials - legislation and case law - to make sure that my knowledge is completely up to date and to ensure that I can continue to offer a truly expert service to local authorities and stakeholders.

Brief CV

Below is a brief summary of my career to date.

1985 - 86: Advice worker, Citizens Advice Bureau
1986 - 88: Benefits assessor, Westminster Council
1988 - 95: Policy, training and appeals officer, Westminster Council
1995 - 2000: Complaint investigator, Local Government Ombudsman. Editor of Ombudsman's Housing Benefit practice note
2000 - 2006: Trainer and consultant with Effective Service Provision Ltd (ESP). Worked on a wide variety of projects including Northgate e-Benefits, training courses, and created/edited ESP's Case Law Expert (online commentary and analysis of Commissioners/Upper Tribunal decisions)
2006 to date: Freelance trainer/consultant, appeals submission writer and presenting officer at both First-tier and Upper Tribunals. Currently delivering in-house and public training courses in association with Zebra Training Services.