Dr Jim McCormick joins the Social Security Advisory Committee
Dr Jim McCormick takes up his appointment as a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee today (3 November 2014).
On 4 August 2014 the Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, announced that Dr Jim McCormick had been appointed as a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC). Jim, who has been the Committee’s Expert Adviser on Scotland since November 2013, takes up that appointment today.
Welcoming Jim to the committee, Paul Gray, the Committee’s Chair said:
I am looking forward to continuing working with Jim. He will bring valuable experience to the Committee on all social security issues, but the Committee will particularly value his insight on developments in Scotland as the current debate regarding greater devolution moves forward.
Taking up his position on the committee, Jim McCormick added:
Choices will be made soon on further devolution. SSAC can make a significant contribution in its role of providing independent scrutiny and advice in the area of social security. I’m delighted to be joining the Committee at such an important time for Scotland.
Jim is:
- co-founder of a research partnership McCormick-McDowell
- Scotland Adviser to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- a board member of Scottish Business in the Community
- a member of the Stroke Association Scotland Committee
Previously he was director of independent think-tank the Scottish Council Foundation.
About the committee
SSAC is an independent advisory body of the Department for Work and Pensions. The committee’s role is to give advice on social security issues; scrutinise and report on social security regulations (including tax credits) and to consider and advise on any matters referred to it by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions or the Northern Ireland Department for Social Development.
SSAC Members receive a daily fee of £256.80, for a time commitment of around 2 days per month. Members are appointed for a period of 3 years.
The committee’s Chair is Paul Gray. Its membership comprises:
- Les Allamby
- John Andrews
- Simon Bartley
- Adele Baumgardt
- John Ditch
- Keith Faulkner
- Colin Godbold
- Chris Goulden
- Jim McCormick
- Matthew Oakley
- Judith Paterson
- Nicola Smith
- Diana Whitworth
The Commissioner for Public Appointments
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates all appointments made by the Secretary of State to the SSAC. All such appointments are made in accordance with Code of Practice published by the Commissioner. The code is based on three core principles – merit, openness and fairness.
More information
For more information, see About us or contact Denise Whitehead, Committee Secretary, on 020 7829 3354.