Social Security Advisory Committee membership changes
Rachael Badger takes up her appointment today, replacing Keith Faulkner who has decided to stand down after 3 years on the committee.
On 4 August 2014 the Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, announced that Rachael Badger had been appointed as a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC).
Paul Gray, the committee’s Chair, said:
The committee will greatly miss the wisdom and experience that Keith Faulkner brought to its work, but we have a strong successor in Rachael Badger. Rachael will bring valuable expertise and insight to the committee and I am looking forward to working with her.
Taking up her position on the committee, Rachael Badger said:
I’m delighted to join the committee. The design of the social security system is full of important and difficult choices, and the committee’s expert, impartial advice is essential to ensure that those decisions are as well-informed as possible.
Rachael Badger has been the Head of Policy Research for Families, Welfare and Work at Citizens Advice since 2013. Prior to that Rachael was a civil servant, and had a variety of roles within both the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury between 2003 and 2013.
More information
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)
- 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
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates all appointments made by the Secretary of State to SSAC. All such appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the commissioner. The code is based on 3 core principles – merit, openness and fairness.
SSAC Members receive a daily fee of £256.80, for a time commitment of around 2 days a month. Members are appointed for a period of 3 years.
The committee’s Chair is Paul Gray. Its membership comprises:
- John Andrews
- Rachael Badger
- Adele Baumgardt
- John Ditch
- Colin Godbold
- Chris Goulden
- Jim McCormick
- Gráinne McKeever
- Matthew Oakley
- Seyi Obakin
- Judith Paterson
- Nicola Smith
- Diana Whitworth
Colin Godbold’s second 3-year term as a committee member commences on 1 February 2015. He was originally appointed on 1 February 2012.
Direct any enquiries to Denise Whitehead, Committee Secretary, on 020 7829 3354.