14 June 2012 – Paul Gray proposed as the next Social Security Advisory Committee chair

Following an open competition, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, has announced that Paul Gray has been selected as the Department’s preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee.

The last stage in the recruitment process is a pre-appointment hearing by the Select Committee for Work and Pensions and this will take place on 20 June.

The appointment will be for a period of three years from August 2012.

Iain Duncan Smith said:

"I would be delighted to confirm Paul Gray to this important role. Paul brings a wealth of relevant skills and experience to the role at a time of fundamental reform to the welfare system.

"I am confident that the input of the Social Security Advisory Committee will prove very valuable during this period."

Paul Gray said:

"I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to lead the Social Security Advisory Committee.

"This is a particularly interesting time for SSAC and I look forward to continuing my work with the members of the Committee to help maintain its reputation for the provision of authoritative and pertinent advice."

Notes to editors

• SSAC is an independent statutory body, formed in 1980, that provides advice to the Secretary of State, principally on proposals for the amendment of secondary legislation and on more general social security matters as required.
• This appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) Code of Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. In this case, Paul Gray has declared no political activity.
• The post of SSAC Chairman attracts a salary of £22,000 per annum for a time commitment of at least 5 days per month.
• The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates all appointments made by the Secretary of State to the Social Security Advisory Committee.
• Paul Gray is the current interim Chair of SSAC. He is a retired civil servant who held Permanent Secretary roles in both the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs. He is the Chairman of Praesta Partners LLP, an executive coaching and mentoring firm, and also has a number of pro bono roles.

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