The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has appointed the following new members to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)
- Richard Machin
- Owen McCloskey
Both have been appointed to serve a five-year term, starting on 1 January 2026.
Confirming the appointments, DWP Minister of Lords, Baroness Sherlock OBE, said
Richard and Owen bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives that will strengthen the Committee’s ability to provide insightful and balanced advice. Their experience will be invaluable as we continue to shape policies that make a real difference to people’s lives.
Dr Stephen Brien, Chair of SSAC, added
I am delighted to welcome Richard and Owen to the Committee. Their impressive skills and diverse viewpoints will enrich our discussions and help us tackle the complex issues that affect so many in society. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue our important work.
About the Committee
Established in 1980, the Social Security Advisory Committee is an independent statutory body. It provides advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on proposals for the amendment of secondary legislation and on general social security matters.
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates all appointments made to SSAC by the Secretary of State. All such appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.
SSAC members receive a daily fee of £256.80, for a time commitment of 2 to 3 days a month.
About the appointees
Richard Machin
Richard is an experienced social policy academic and Associate Professor at Nottingham Trent University, with a background in welfare rights, social security, and policy research. He has extensive expertise in social welfare law, poverty, and the impact of social security reforms. His recent research has focused on the effects of COVID-19 on low-income households, leading to his appointment as an expert witness at the COVID-19 Inquiry.
Richard has worked in local government, the voluntary and advice sectors. He is a Trustee for the Church Action on Poverty and actively contributes to national policy debates on social security and poverty combining academic insight with practical experience in welfare rights and money advice.
Richard has been appointed from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.
Owen McCloskey
Owen is a practicing solicitor who specialises in social security and is currently serving as the Head of Social Security at Law Centre NI. In this role Owen supervises a team that provides advice and representation in complex matters that help provide a wider understanding of the law. With extensive experience, including test case litigation, Owen has a background in the development of accessible training materials and supervising volunteer representatives in Social Security appeals.
His academic qualifications include a law degree and a Master’s degree in criminology, and he has contributed to various forums and publications aimed at improving social security and benefits decision-making.
Owen is a Justice First Fellow who is committed to using legal education to promote access to justice. He provides teaching at both universities in Northern Ireland supporting the clinical legal experience of law students. Owen is also an independent member of the Social Security Standards Committee in Northern Ireland.
Owen has been appointed from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.
Social Security Advisory Committee
7th Floor Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA
Email [email protected]
Committee Secretary 0300 046 0323