Overview
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing is seeking to appoint two Members to the Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS). SCoSS is an independent advisory Non‑Departmental Public Body established by the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018. It provides independent scrutiny of Scottish social security regulations and reports to both the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Ministers. SCoSS plays a vital role in scrutinising draft regulations, reporting on the Social Security Charter commitments and contributing to continuous improvement of Scotland’s social security system.
Member Role
- Work collaboratively with fellow Board members to deliver SCoSS’s statutory functions.
- Analyse complex information, including draft regulations, and contribute to evidence‑based recommendations.
- Constructively challenge proposals and support high‑quality, timely reporting.
- Contribute to strategic discussions, risk assessment and continuous improvement.
- Engage in Board governance activities, including business planning and oversight of resources.
- Attend regular Board meetings and prepare thoroughly in advance.
- Uphold the Principles of Public Life in Scotland and the values underpinning the social security system.
All Members actively contribute to scrutiny and decision‑making as part of SCoSS’s “working Board”.
Remuneration and Time Commitment
The Member role is remunerated at a daily fee of £225, based on a 7.5‑hour day, in accordance with the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy for public appointments. The role is non‑pensionable. Members devote 36 days per annum to performing their functions, which includes attending monthly online Board meetings, approximately one annual in‑person meeting, and additional ad hoc online meetings as required.
Skills and Experience
Priority Criteria
- Good knowledge or experience of Social Security and the ability to interpret and apply this within the Scottish Social Security system.
Essential Criteria
- Analysing information and making recommendations.
- Working collaboratively, constructively and effectively with others.
- Personal commitment to progressing the Social Security Principles.
- Challenging the views of others in a constructive and supportive way.
Desirable Criteria
- Lived experience of poverty, or a strong understanding of the impacts of poverty.
- Lived experience of disability, or a strong understanding of the impacts of disability.
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