Richard Machin
Biography
Richard Machin is an Associate Professor in Social Policy at Nottingham Trent University. His teaching and research focuses on social welfare policy and practice. His recent policy analysis has explored the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, experience of disability benefits for people with mental health problems, and social security provision during COVID-19. In 2024 he was appointed as an expert witness for the COVID-19 Inquiry exploring the impact of the pandemic on low income households.
Richard previously worked in local government managing a welfare rights and money advice service. He is a trustee for Church Action on Poverty and regularly writes for a range of academic, professional and media publications.
Committee member
Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to:
- give advice on social security issues as it sees fit
- consider and report on social security regulations that have been referred to it
- advise on matters referred to it by the Secretary of State or the Northern Ireland department responsible for social security
- scrutinise the products produced by the Department for Work and Pensions