The Social Security Advisory Committee provides independent & impartial advice to Govt on social security & welfare. Read our blogs: ssac.blog.gov.uk
Joined April 2013
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Delighted to welcome @sam_royston to the Committee! We look forward to working with you Sam!
gov.uk/government/news/socia…
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Dr Stephen Brien added: I'm delighted that SSAC will benefit from Sam's considerable experience. The combination/breadth of research, policy & practical insight Sam brings will be valuable in all aspects of our work, especially when examining how DWP policies operate in practice.
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Dr Royston takes up his five year appointment on 1 July.
We are also delighted that existing members Daphne Hall (@karaokedaf) and Dr Suzy Walton have been reappointed for a second term. Congratulations both!
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All are welcome to attend our upcoming CASE #SocialExclusionSeminar on 03/06/26. In this session, Dr Stephen Brien @The_SSAC will examine how social security shapes young people’s education and career decisions at age 16. Find out more and register: sticerd.lse.ac.uk/case/_new/…
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From stakeholder to Committee member: read Fran Bennett's early reflections on SSAC from the 'other' side 👇
ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026-05-14/…
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SSAC retweeted
Apr 23
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/…
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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/…
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SSAC retweeted
Apr 23
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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/…
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*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/publicatio…
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*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/publicatio…
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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/publicatio…
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*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/news/appoi…
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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"
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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."
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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/inde…
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SSAC retweeted
15 Oct 2025
Watch live 🔴 parliamentlive.tv/event/inde…
14 Oct 2025
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.
ALT An image of Dr. Stephen Brien, Chair of SSAC, with text that reads 'We are questioning Dr Stephen Brien, Chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee. Watch on Parliament Live'
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