Marian Harrison
After a career change from hotel management, Marian started working for the Civil Service in 1986. Marian worked for the Department of Health and Social Security for 16 years, assessing claims for Incapacity Benefit and Maternity Allowance and offering general benefits advice to customers both on the telephone and face-to-face. She qualified as a counsellor in 2000 and has worked both as a volunteer and privately, dealing with issues including stress, depression, relationships and bereavement. In 2002, she started working for the local Information, Advice and Guidance service for adults. Marian has worked on two projects, which focused on helping long-term unemployed people from deprived communities move forward towards learning and work. In 2005, she qualified to NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance and gained a Diploma in Life Coaching. In 2006, I qualified as an NVQ assessor and am now assessing up to NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance on a self-employed basis.