Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland stakeholder engagement: the value of local experience

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: About the Committee, Independent advice, Northern Ireland, Stakeholders
A photograph of Owen McCloskey, member of the Social Security Advisory Committee.

I was delighted to be appointed to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) in January 2026. SSAC is an independent statutory body that provides impartial advice on social security related matters. It scrutinises the majority of complex secondary legislation that underpins …

From Parity to Policy: The Northern Ireland Approach to Social Security

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Department for Communities (Northern Ireland), Northern Ireland, social security
Photograph of Les Allamby, Member of the Social Security Advisory Committee.

The role of the Northern Ireland member of the Social Security Advisory Committee is twofold. First, to contribute to the Committee’s work in general including scrutinising regulations, involvement in the independent research work and wider engagement with stakeholders. Second, to …

Les Allamby's early reflections of SSAC...the second time around!

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: About the Committee, Claimants, Consultation, Department for Communities (Northern Ireland), DWP, Independent advice, Legislation, Northern Ireland, Stakeholders
Photograph of Les Allamby, Member of the Social Security Advisory Committee.

I never had a misspent youth. As a student I spent my Saturday mornings volunteering on a Durham market stall containing (then) DHSS[1] leaflets, answering basic queries and offering appointments for more complex issues. Not knowing what I wanted to …