SSAC

From stakeholder to Committee member: read Fran Bennett's early reflections on SSAC from the 'other' side 👇 ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026-05-14/fro…

Very striking report showing the cost to poorer families of young people taking apprenticeships rather than staying in full time education. The benefit system penalises apprenticeships. It shouldn't. ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/23/the…

The benefits system risks discouraging apprenticeships: @prospect_clark's blog reflects on SSAC's latest report which identifies a mismatch between the education & benefits systems, & explores how that can affect the choices young people make at age 16. ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/23/the…

1 Successive governments have held up apprenticeships as a valid 16+ choice But @The_SSAC has uncovered how a serious mismatch with benefits has evolved It puts barriers in the way of young people taking up the best training for them My blog explains ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/23/the…

*NEW REPORT* At a time when more than 1 in 8 young people are NEET, SSAC finds that benefit rules at age 16 can create financial cliff‑edges - particularly around apprenticeships. The impacts fall hardest on disadvantaged families, including young carers. gov.uk/government/pub…

*NEW* Our advice to the Secretary of State on @DWPgovuk's 'Right to Try' regulations was presented to Parliament today, alongside the Government's response to our recommendations. More here👇 gov.uk/government/pub…

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…