Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) - Committee Member - Social Security and Tax
- Body
- Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)
- Appointing Department
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Sectors
- Charity & Public Sector, Regulation
- Location
- Location is flexible, although you will normally be expected to attend Caxton House regularly for SSAC meetings. (Due to covid-19 restrictions, the committee is meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams. This will be reviewed inline with the Government’s Covid-19 policy and guidance )
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- £256.80. per day
- Time Requirements
- 2-3 days’ work per month (The flexibility to work more than this on occasion would be helpful)
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
15/12/2021
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Closed for Applications
19/01/2022 at 17:00
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Panel Sift
TBC W/C 31/01/2022
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Final Interview Date
TBC W/C 25/04/2022
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Announcement
TBC
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Pete Searle,
- Added
- 15/12/2021
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- DWP Director, Private Pensions and ALB
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- Panel Member
- Dr Stephen Brien
- Positions
- SSAC Chair Representative of Organisation
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- Panel Member
- Olivia Grant
- Added
- 15/12/2021
- Positions
- former OCPA appointed Public Appointments Assessor. Independent Member
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Vacancy Description
The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is an independent statutory body, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is the UK Government’s advisory body on social security matters. In addition to providing advice and assistance to the Secretary of State, it performs mandatory scrutiny of most secondary legislation laid before Parliament that underpin the welfare system. Thus, much of the Department’s policy and service delivery activity, including the welfare reform agenda, comes before the Committee.
In addition to the scrutiny of proposals for secondary legislation, the Committee’s general advisory functions are deployed to:
•inform the Committee’s work, improving members’ ability to scrutinise regulations and provide independent advice to Ministers;
•add value to the debate on a topic that is of current interest to Government and stakeholders; and
•stimulate debate of a specific topic within the Committee and amongst stakeholders.
The Committee responds to the Department’s public consultation exercises where appropriate, and Ministers may also seek views on specific issues. The Committee may also select issues itself which it wishes to research and provide advice on. The Chair and Committee members meet regularly with Ministers and senior officials to discuss topical issues and meet front-line staff and customers during their visits to operational sites.
The Committee is independent of Government, the Department and sectional interests. It has a strong track record in offering informed, expert advice. Members come from a variety of backgrounds, but collectively they have a considerable depth of knowledge and expertise in social security policy, law and the wider social policy agenda.
Further information about the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) can be found at:
Social Security Advisory Committee – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Role of a Committee Member
Members are expected to:
•Maintain and continuously develop an understanding of complex social security and welfare reform issues, taking into account Government policies, the financing of the welfare system and the broader economic social context.
•Fully prepare for all meetings by reading papers in advance and carrying out any other necessary preparatory work.
•Attend Committee meetings and make an effective personal contribution.
•Work constructively and collaboratively with the Chair and members of the Committee on all aspects of the Committee’s work; including its independent work programme and broader activities; and
•Represent the Committee at external events on occasion.
Meetings
SSAC meets ten times every year at Caxton House, Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NA. Members also have an opportunity to visit other locations, for example visits to operational sites.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
There is one post available.
Candidates must demonstrate the following skills and experience:
•knowledge, understanding and experience of working with governments and political stakeholders.
•understanding of the political and financial context in which the social security system operates and of the Committee’s role in advising Government.
•understanding of the impact of social security regulations and implementation on a diverse range of diverse groups of claimants, especially those who may face disadvantage.
•the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and to operate constructively and collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues.
•an ability to understand and analyse the details of complex proposals and evaluate and advise objectively on the basis of that analysis.
•the ability to deal appropriately with confidential material shared with the Committee, and manage potential conflicts of interest (or perceived conflicts of interest) in a responsible manner; and
•Knowledge of social security and tax credit laws.