PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion -
to appoint, 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 –
Mr Geoffrey Esnouf Panel Member
Mr Stewart Hill Panel Member
Mrs Marion Perchard Panel Member
Mrs Judith Queree Panel Member
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
REPORT
The Social Security (Determination of Claims and Questions) (Jersey) Order 1974 (as amended) 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 two appointed panel members.. For the purposes of a hearing, the Tribunal consists of the Chair, (or Deputy), and two 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 three to five year term and a maximum of 10 years. It is proposed that each of the following new members is offered an initial term of five 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 below:
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’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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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. |
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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. |
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Mrs J Queree | Mrs Judith Queree has been 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 is currently Vice-Chairman of Les Quennevais School Board of Governors, commencing as a Parent Governor in 1995. |