SSAC

SSAC's examining Govt's 'Right to Try' proposals following our initial scrutiny of the related draft regulations. Want to find out more? Dr Stephen Brien's letter to @DWPgovuk sets out our early observations & identifies areas for further consideration 👇 gov.uk/government/pub…

Welcoming Richard and Owen, Dr Stephen Brien commented: "Their impressive skills and diverse viewpoints will enrich our discussions & help us tackle the complex issues that affect so many in society. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue our important work."

Baroness Sherlock OBE: "Richard & Owen bring a wealth of expertise & fresh perspectives that will strengthen SSAC's ability to provide insightful & balanced advice. Their experience will be invaluable as we continue to shape policies that make a real difference to people’s lives"

*New appointments* We are delighted to welcome Richard Machin and Owen McCloskey as new members of #SSAC! We look forward to working with you Richard and Owen! @RMachinNotts @owenmc24 gov.uk/government/new…

Our amazing colleague, Carl Emmerson, stands down from the Committee today after almost ten years of service. Thank you Carl - we'll miss you and your invaluable contributions to our work!

We bid a sad farewell to our colleague Prof Stephen Hardy who is stepping down from SSAC today as he takes on a new role as Certification Officer. Thank you Stephen - we will miss you and your high-quality contributions to our work. We wish you well in your new role.

Our Chair, Dr Stephen Brien - alongside Committee colleagues Bruce Calderwood and Carl Emmerson - gave evidence yesterday to @CommonsWorkPen about the role and work of #SSAC. Want to find out more about what we do? You can watch the session here👇 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/65…

Watch live 🔴 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/65…

Find out more 👇 committees.parliament.uk/event/25037/fo…

Tomorrow, 9.30am We will be questioning Dr. Stephen Brien, Chair of @The_SSAC, an independent statutory body that provides advice on social security related matters to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

@prospect_clark Delighted that you have joined our team, Tom! Looking forward to working with you on these important issues!

Social Security is all that a lot of people have got Lives can get caught on the smallest snares in the system, snares which can be avoided by careful attention to detail That is what the independent scrutiny & advice of SSAC aims to provide. Pleased to be joining the committee

Dr Stephen Brien added: "These appointments bring an impressive mix of skills, insight & diversity of view to our work on a broad range of issues that affect most people in our society at some point in their lifetime. I look forward to working with them on these important issues"

Confirming the appointments, Baroness Sherlock OBE said: "The new appointments bring an extensive wealth of knowledge & experience that will further enrich the Social Security Advisory Committee's valued advice."

*New appointments to the Social Security Advisory Committee* Welcome to SSAC #FranBennett, @joannecairnsus1 , @DrSharonEWright and @prospect_clark ! We look forward to working with you! gov.uk/government/new…

Dr Brien: I've long respected the important work of SSAC & its impartial evidence-led advice to successive Secretaries of State. Social security touches the lives of millions of families...I look forward to continuing this vital work that makes a meaningful difference to so many.

Confirming the appointment, Baroness Sherlock said: Since 2020, Stephen has provided valuable insights and leadership that have been instrumental in providing evidence-led insights on departmental policy... I look forward to continuing our work together.

Congratulations to our Chair, Dr Stephen Brien, who has today been reappointed for a second term. gov.uk/government/new…

*NEW BLOG* Recently introduced legislative framework - originally recommended by SSAC in 2021 - enables faster response to humanitarian crises 👇 ssac.blog.gov.uk/2025/07/23/new…

*NEW BLOG* As the consultation on @DWPgovuk's 'Pathways to Work' Green Paper drew to a close this week, Dr Stephen Brien reflects on our initial engagement with, and advice to, the Department on its proposals for disability benefit reform👇 ssac.blog.gov.uk/2025/07/04/our…

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) (Modification) Regs 2025 can be found here 👇 legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/387/…

*NEW* The Govt has published our report - & its response to our recommendations - on regulations designed to maintain child maintenance payments through Universal Credit by moving them up the priority order of deductions taken from benefit entitlement 👇 gov.uk/government/pub…