Committee members
Established in 1980, the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is the main UK statutory advisory body for social security matters. It is responsible for giving advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Head of the Northern Ireland Department (currently the Department for Social Development) on social security and related issues, such as links with the labour market and the wider social welfare context. It has the power to scrutinise proposals for secondary legislation, and its reports on proposals are published by the Secretary of State. It also offers informal advice on Tax Credits and related matters to Treasury ministers and HMRC.
The Committee's membership takes in both people with specific knowledge of social security policy, law and operations, and those with broader interests in social welfare policy and law, and related fields. The Committee is independent of Government, the Department and sectional interests, and has a strong track record in offering informed, expert advice. Appointments to the Committee are made by the Secretary of State under powers conferred by the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (Schedule 5(3) (1) (b)).
Current and forthcoming vacancies
There are no current vacancies. However, expressions of interest in membership are always welcome.