Social Security Tribunal: appointment of members.

STATES OF JERSEY

SOCIAL SECURITY TRIBUNAL: APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS

Lodged au Greffe on 24th February 2009 by the Minister for Social Security

STATES GREFFE

PROPOSITION

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

to a p point, in accordance with Article  8 of the Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions)

(Jersey) Order 1974, further to a process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, the following persons as members of the Social Security Tribunal for a period of 5 years –

M r . G eo f f re y Esnouf P a n e l M ember M r . S t e w a r t Hill P a n e l M e m b er M r s . M a ri o n Perchard P a n e l M ember M r s . J u d it h Q uérée P a n e l M e m ber.

MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

REPORT

The Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 provides for the recruitment and constitution of the Social Security Tribunal. Following recruitment, all Tribunal members are appointed by the States on the recommendation of the Minister for Social Security.

The Social Security Tribunal has been in place since 1974 and hears appeals on a range of benefits under the Social Security Law such as the Old Age Pension, Short and Long-Term Incapacity Allowance and Maternity Allowance. However, with the implementation of the Income Support Scheme in January 2008, appeals on determinations under this benefit will also be referred to the Social Security Tribunal. The exception is questions arising from the Impairment Component which are referred to the Income Support Medical Appeal Tribunal already established. Therefore, recruitment has taken place for additional Panel members who have insight in the areas that are covered by all of the different benefits.

The constitution of the Social Security Tribunal comprises a Chair, and one or more Deputy Chairs holding a qualification in law, and a Panel of up to 12 other members: there are currently only 2 appointed Panel members. For the purposes of a hearing, the Tribunal consists of the Chair (or Deputy ), and 2 Panel members.

Following a period of open recruitment and structured interviews chaired by a representative of the Jersey Appointments Commission, the Minister for Social Security is satisfied that the individuals proposed as Panel members have suitable knowledge and experience to undertake the duties of a Tribunal Panel member and recommends their appointment.

Terms of appointment

The legislation does not prescribe a term; however, the recommendation of the Appointments Commission is a 3 to 5 year term and a maximum of 10  years. It is proposed that each of the following new members is offered an initial term of 5  years, to begin from the date of States approval.

The legislation does allow a member to resign at any time and provides for the other circumstances in which he or she will cease to hold office, such as bankruptcy or misconduct.

There are no financial or manpower implications as a result of these appointments. Further details of the proposed new Panel members are provided on the next page.

Mr. G. Esnouf Mr.  Geoff Esnouf has had 42 years' experience before retiring

from the States. Prior to retirement, he was the Administrator for Mental Health Services at St.  Saviour's Hospital and was actively involved with the operation of the Mental Health Review Tribunal, giving him good understanding of the tribunal process.

Geoff has been Chairman of Committees associated with local football administration, as well as D'Hautrée School P.T.A. for 2  years, and was on theBoard of Governors of D'Hautrée and then Haute Vallée School for a total of 6  years.

Mr. S. Hill Mr. Stewart Hill has recently retired after 40  years working in the

IT industry, predominantly within the finance sector. In a work capacity  he  has  been  involved  in  many  projects,  requiring  an ability to make informed decisions.

Stewart has undertaken many fund-raising activities for charities with which he is involved.

Mrs. M. Perchard Mrs.  Marion  Perchard  has  experience  of  social  issues  and  the

benefit system through her career in social services, both in Jersey and  the  UK.  This  has  enabled  her  to  understand  the  type  of complex social and family issues that may be presented to the Tribunal  and  the  skills  to  interpret  information  and  reach considered decisions.

Mrs. J. Quérée Mrs. Judith Quérée has been a member of the Youth Court Panel

for  9  years,  which  has  given  her  experience  in  considering presented evidence.

Judith has gained knowledge of the benefit system during her time sitting on St.  Ouen's Welfare Panel from 1991 until 2007. She is currently  Vice-Chairman  of  Les  Quennevais  School  Board  of Governors, commencing as a Parent Governor in 1995.