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STATES OF JERSEY
SOCIAL SECURITY TRIBUNAL: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Lodged au Greffe on 17th November 2015 by the Minister for Social Security
STATES GREFFE
2015 Price code: A P.143
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to appoint, in accordance with Article 33A of the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974 and further to a process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, Advocate Sarah Elizabeth Fitz as Chairman of the Social Security Tribunal for a period of 5 years.
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
REPORT
- Background
Article 8 of the Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 provides for the constitution of the Social Security Tribunal.
The Social Security Tribunal (SST) has been in place since 1974, and hears appeals on a range of benefits under the Social Security Law, as well aspects of other legislation administered by the Social Security Department, such as the Income Support and Health Insurance Laws.
The Tribunal will review all facts placed before it by the Appellant and the Minister for Social Security and may confirm, reverse or vary the decision made by the Department's Determining Officers.
The constitution of the Social Security Tribunal comprises a Chairman (or a Deputy Chairman) holding a qualification in law, and 2 lay members from a Panel of up to 12 other members.
This report discusses the appointment of the legal Chairman.
- Tribunal Chairmen
The Minister is responsible for the constitution of three different Appeal Panels: the Social Security Tribunal (SST), the Social Security Medical Appeal Tribunal (SSMAT), and the Income Support Medical Appeal Tribunal (ISMAT). In consultation with the Judicial Greffe, who are responsible for the convening and administration of the Tribunals, consideration was given to developing the role of Chairman across all 3 Tribunals to ensure consistency of process and decision-making. This supports the further development of a Tribunals Service.
Advocate Thacker, who was re-appointed as Chairman of the SST in 2013, was also appointed as Chairman of the ISMAT and SSMAT in April 2015 on an interim basis, which has allowed time for a formal recruitment process to take place.
- Chairman of the Social Security Tribunal
Following a recruitment process overseen by the Appointments Commission, it is proposed to appoint Advocate Sarah Fitz as Chairman to the SST for a 5-year period. Advocate Fitz is currently the Chairman of the Mental Health Tribunal, and the Minister considers that she has the appropriate experience to extend this role across the 3 Tribunals the Minister is responsible for, ensuring a consistent approach to the Tribunals Service.
- Terms of appointment
The Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 provides that members of the Tribunal are appointed by the States on the recommendation of the Minister after consultation with the Jersey Appointments Commission.
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P.143/2015
The Minister therefore recommends the appointment of Advocate Sarah Fitz for a term of 5 years.
The Minister is satisfied that Advocate Fitz has the necessary skills and experience.
- Member proposed for appointment
Chairman of the Social Security Tribunal:
Advocate Sarah Fitz has been a partner at Ogier since 1989, being a Managing Partner for many years, and recently Chairman. These roles encompassed the combined Law firm and Trust company, employing over 800 people and operating in several jurisdictions. In addition, Advocate Fitz has worked as a criminal, matrimonial, public law and mental health practitioner since 1987, and has both defended and prosecuted criminal cases as a Crown Advocate.
Advocate Fitz will retire from Ogier in January 2016, is the current Chairman of the Mental Health Tribunal and has been appointed as a Relief Magistrate with effect from her retirement from Ogier.
Financial and manpower implications
There are no financial or manpower implications for the States arising from the proposed appointment.