Appointments to the Social Security Advisory Committee
The Baroness Buscombe, Minister for Work and Pensions (Lords), has confirmed 2 new appointments to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC).
The new appointees are:
- David Chrimes
- Philip Jones
Existing committee member, Seyi Obakin, has also been appointed for a second term.
The appointments were made following open competition. The new members will start their 5-year terms on 1 February 2018.
Lady Buscombe said:
I am delighted to welcome David and Philip to the Social Security Advisory Committee, and to welcome Seyi back for a second term. They each have considerable knowledge and experience which will be of great value to the Committee, and I look forward to working with them.
Paul Gray, SSAC Chair, said:
These appointments bring a wide-range of expertise and skills to the committee. In particular, they will strengthen the committee’s insight to how the benefit system impacts some of the most vulnerable people in our society. As Universal Credit full service continues to roll out to more complex cases, their understanding of issues affecting employers and workers will be especially valuable.
At the same time we will be losing 2 valued and highly-respected colleagues as their terms expire early next year. I would like to place on record my thanks to Rachael Badger and our vice Chair Colin Godbold for their excellent contributions to our work over recent years, and wish them well for the future.
David Chrimes said:
I am delighted and honoured to be invited to join SSAC. I hope that my experience of disability, welfare and workforce representation will add to the considerable breadth and depth of knowledge and skill held by the committee, with whom I look forward to working.
Philip Jones said:
I am thrilled to have been appointed to SSAC. I look forward to working with the committee, government, employers and others in my area of focus in Wales to ensure we give the most vulnerable in our society, and especially disadvantaged young people, a real opportunity to show their true potential and make a positive contribution to society.
About the committee
The Social Security Advisory Committee is an independent statutory body established in 1980. It provides advice to the Secretary of State on proposals for the amendment of secondary legislation and on general social security matters.
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates all appointments made by the Secretary of State to SSAC. All such appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments published by the government.
SSAC members receive a daily fee of £256.80, for a time commitment of 2 to 3 days a month. The appointments are for a period of 5 years.
About the appointees
David Chrimes
Crown Advocate, Crown Prosecution Service and member of the FDA Trade Union Executive Committee. David will be the committee’s representative of workers, a reserved post by statute.
Philip Jones
Director, Prince’s Trust Cymru. Philip will be the committee’s representative of employers, and will represent the interests of Wales. Both are reserved posts, the former by statute.
Seyi Obakin
Chief Executive Officer, Centrepoint. Seyi will represent the interests of Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, a reserved post.
Contact the committee
Social Security Advisory Committee
7th Floor Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA
Email ssac@ssac.gov.uk
Denise Whitehead, Committee Secretary 0300 046 0323
We are not able to reply to enquiries about individual benefit cases. You will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions.