Appointment of Members to the Scottish Commission on Social Security

Job Description

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing is seeking to appoint two Members to join the Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping Scotland's devolved social security system, ensuring it operates in line with the principles of dignity, fairness and respect.

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 social security regulations and making recommendations
• Reporting on how well the Social Security Charter commitments are being met
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of Scotland's social security system

Through its work, SCoSS has made a significant contribution to the development of the Scottish social security system, with many recommendations influencing legislation.

Responsibilities

MEMBER ROLE

As a Member of SCoSS, you will:

• 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

SCoSS operates as a "working Board", meaning all Members actively contribute to scrutiny and decision-making.

Further information

An online information session will be held on Monday 29 June 2026, from 1 pm to 2 pm, led by the Panel Chair and the Chair of SCoSS.

This session is an opportunity to learn more about what is involved in being a member of the SCoSS Board and to ask any questions you may have.

If you would like to attend or if you have any questions about the role itself please contact Stephen.Herbert@socialsecuritycommission.scot

For any questions about the public appointment process or the application portal please contact public.appointments@gov.scot.

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

The Member role is remunerated at a daily fee of £225, based on a 7.5-hour day. This fee is set in accordance with the Scottish Government's Public Sector Pay Policy for public appointments. The role is non-pensionable, meaning no employer pension contributions are paid

Members devote 36 days per annum to performing your functions as and when required. You will be expected to attend meetings regularly, prepare in advance, and contribute fully to all aspects of the role.

Board meetings are currently held online approximately once a month, with around one in-person meeting held annually. Additional ad hoc online meetings are scheduled as required.

Qualifications

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

In respect of these posts, both the priority and essential criteria are a mandatory requirement.

Priority Criteria

1. Good knowledge or experience of Social Security and the ability to interpret and apply this within the Scottish Social Security system.

Essential Criteria

1. Analysing information and making recommendations
2. Working collaboratively, constructively and effectively with others.
3. Personal Commitment to progressing the Social Security Principles.
4. Challenging the views of others in a constructive and supportive way

Desirable Criteria

The following criteria are desirable and are not required for appointment. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be disadvantaged unless candidates are otherwise assessed as being of equal merit:

1. Lived experience of poverty, or a strong understanding of the impacts of poverty.
2. Lived experience of disability, or a strong understanding of the impacts of disability.

APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

To assist in your application, please ensure you read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed.

TO APPLY FOR THESE ROLES, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download and save the Applicant Information Pack to refer back to.
2. Read the 'person specification' and 'how to apply' section in the Pack.
3. Navigate back to this job advert and click 'apply'.
4. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
5. Add your response to the Priority, Essential and if applicable Desirable Criteria noting the word limits in the application pack.
6. PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click 'submit'. You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application.

Late applications cannot be considered by the panel.

Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out at pages 8-11 of the Applicant Information Pack.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on Wednesday 15 July 2026.