New SSAC Chair Takes Up Post at The DWP Welfare Reform Watchdog

The Social Security Advisory Committee has a new chair after Professor Sir Ian Diamond this week replaced Paul Gray as head of the body that examines government plans for working-age welfare reforms.

Diamond, who was knighted in 2013 for his services to social science and higher education, was the principal and vice chancellor of the University of Aberdeen until the end of July. He also holds a range of non-executive roles including as chair of the Department for International Development’s research advisory group and board member of the UK Statistics Authority.

Speaking at the time of his appointment, Diamond said it was a privilege to be invited to chair the committee. “Social security touches on the lives of everyone over the course of a lifetime, therefore the committee has an important responsibility to provide high quality and evidence-based advice to government,” he said.

“I look forward to rising to that challenge, supported by the wealth of talent that already exists within the committee’s current membership.”

She added: “I look forward to working with Sir Ian and am confident that the committee will continue to provide valuable advice under his leadership.

“I would also like to thank the committee’s outgoing chair, Paul Gray CB, for the high quality and constructive support that has been provided to the department over the past six years.”