Scottish Commission on Social Security: business plan 2021 to 2022

2. About Us

Our Board

Chair: Dr Sally Witcher OBE: Independent Consultant

Member: Dr Mark Simpson: Lecturer in Law at Ulster University, researching social security and human rights

Member: Judith Paterson: Head of Advice and Rights (Scotland) for Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland (CPAG)

Member: Sharon McIntyre: Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance at Skills Development Scotland

Purpose

The Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS) was set up in 2019 to provide independent scrutiny of the Scottish social security system and hold Scottish Ministers to account.

The Commission is separate from the Scottish Government and from the Parliament. It carries out its work independently of both, but works closely with both.

Information on the Commission's functions are set out within Section 22 of the Social Security Scotland Act 2018. SCoSS's role is made up of three parts:

1. Scrutinise draft regulations and publish full reports including recommendations to Scottish Government.

2. Reporting on the Social Security Charter to the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament on whether the expectations in the Social Security Charter are being met. The Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland published the Social Security Charter in January 2019. It is called 'Our Charter'.

3. Responding to requests from Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government to report 'on any matter relevant to social security' when asked by either of them.

Our Vision

A robust, effective, efficient Scottish social security system that meets its full potential to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland. To help achieve the vision for Scottish social security by providing independent expert advice that adds demonstrable and significant value.

Our Values

• We Are Independent
• We Are Committed
• We provide Assurance and Accountability
• We are Outcome Focussed