DWP seeking Committee Members

DWP seeking Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) Committee Members

Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) – Committee Member – Social Security and Tax

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)

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.

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 online with the Government’s Covid-19 policy and guidance )

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)

The vacancy closes at 17.00 on Wednesday 19^th January.

For more information about the role and how to apply please click the link below.

Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) – Committee Member – Social Security and Tax (cabinetoffice.gov.uk)