Social Security Tribunal: Members: Re-Appointment

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A decision made 11 August 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2014-108
Decision Summary Title :	Reappointment of members to the Social Security Tribunal		Date of Decision Summary:	11 August 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Head of Governance		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Tribunal members reappointments proposition		Date of Written Report:	11 August 2014
Written Report Author:	Head of Governance		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Social Security Tribunal - reappointment of Members
Decision(s): The Minister decided to propose the reappointment of three members of the Social Security Tribunal.
Reason(s) for Decision The Social Security Tribunal constituted under the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974 hears any appeals on matters regarding the award of the benefits under the Social Security, Health Insurance, Income Support, Christmas Bonus and Television Licence Laws, and the Food Costs Bonus and Cold Weather Bonus Regulations. Article 8 of the Social Security (Determinations of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 provides that Tribunal members are eligible for reappointment on the recommendation of the Minister, subject to consultation with the Jersey Appointments Commission. The Minister is satisfied that the three individuals detailed in the written report have the required knowledge and experience. Therefore following consultation with the Appointments commission, it is proposed to reappoint these members for a further term of 5 years.
Resource Implications: There are no financial or manpower implications.
Action required: Head of Governance to ask the Greffier of the States to lodge the Proposition at the earliest opportunity.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Social Security Tribunal: Members: Re-Appointment

PROPOSITION

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion 

to reappoint, in accordance with Article 33A of the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974, further to a process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, the following persons as members of the Social Security Tribunal for a further 5 year period :

Mr Stewart Hill Panel Member

Mrs Judith Queree Panel Member

Mr Geoff Esnouf Panel Member

MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

REPORT

Background

The Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 (as amended) 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 the Income Support, and Health Insurance Laws.

The constitution of the Social Security Tribunal comprises a Chair, (or a Deputy Chair) holding a qualification in law, and two 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 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 two 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 reappointed for a further term of office. The appointment of Tribunal members is in accordance with the Jersey Appointments’ Commission Code for Quangos and Tribunals. Reappointment 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 reappointed 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.

Members proposed for reappointment

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.

Stewart 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 Queree was a member of the Youth Court Panel for nine 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 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 good understanding of the tribunal process.

Geoff has been Chairman of Committees associated with local football administration as well as D’Hautree School P.T.A. for 2 years and was on the Board of Governors of D’Hautree and then Haute Vallee School for a total of 6 years.

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