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STATES OF JERSEY
SOCIAL SECURITY TRIBUNAL: RE-APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS
Lodged au Greffe on 13th August 2014 by the Minister for Social Security
STATES GREFFE
2014 Price code: A P.145
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to re-appoint the following persons as members of the Social Security Tribunal, in pursuance of Article 33A of the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974, further to a process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, for a further 5 year period –
Mr. Stewart Hill Panel member Mrs. Judith Querée Panel member Mr. Geoff Esnouf Panel member.
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
REPORT
- Background
The Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 (Revised Edition, chapter 26.900.28) provides for the constitution of the Social Security Tribunal.
The Social Security Tribunal has been in place since 1974 and hears appeals on a range of benefits under the Social Security Law, as well as aspects of other legislation administered by the Social Security Department, such as Income Support and Health Insurance Laws.
The constitution of the Social Security Tribunal comprises a Chair (or Deputy Chair) holding a qualification in law, and 2 lay members from a Panel of up to 12 other members.
- Social Security Tribunal
The Tribunal will review all facts placed before it by the Appellant and the Minister for Social Security (or his representative), and will then make a determination within the appropriate aspects of the Law as to whether the decision is fair and reasonable.
The Tribunal may confirm, reverse or vary the decision made by the Department's Determining Officer. Hearings will be held in public unless the Tribunal considers it necessary to sit in private.
The Tribunal consists of a legal Chair, to ensure correct interpretation of legislation, and 2 lay members to provide a representative public view.
- Terms of re-appointment
The Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 provides that members of the Tribunal may be re-appointed for a further term of office. The appointment of Tribunal members is in accordance with the Jersey Appointments Commission's Code for Quangos and Tribunals. Re-appointment of members is accepted, providing it does not exceed a total of 10 years.
Following consultation with the Appointments Commission, it is proposed that the following members, who have completed a 5 year term to date, are re-appointed for a further 5 years to begin from the date of States approval.
The Minister is satisfied that these individuals have the experience and skills necessary to continue to uphold the fairness and integrity of the tribunal system.
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P.145/2014
- Members proposed for re-appointment
Mr. Stewart Hill 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.
Mr. Hill undertakes many fund-raising activities for charities with which he is involved, including the Lions Club of Jersey and Maison des Landes Hotel for the Disabled.
Mrs. Judith Querée was a member of the Youth Court Panel for 9 years, which has given her experience in considering presented evidence.
Mrs. Querée has gained knowledge of the benefit system during her time sitting on St. Ouen 's Welfare Panel from 1991 until 2007. She recently retired from the position of Vice-Chairman of Les Quennevais School Board of Governors, having commenced as a Parent Governor on the Board in 1995.
Mr. Geoff Esnouf had 42 years' experience in the Civil Service before retiring. 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 a good understanding of the tribunal process.
Mr. Esnouf 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 the Board of Governors of D'Hautrée, and then Haute Vallée School, for a total of 6 years.