UPDATE - applications now open
Applications opened today, 13 March and close at 1pm on 3 April. Details from this page:
The rate of pay for these posts is £236.24 per day.
Could you imagine yourself as a panel member at social security tribunals? The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is about to begin recruiting 200 fee paid disability qualified Tribunal members to sit at PIP, DLA and WCA hearings.
In spite of the title, you don’t need to be formally qualified in any way to take up a post, you simply need to be somebody who is “experienced in dealing with the physical or mental needs of disabled persons because they work with disabled persons in a professional or voluntary capacity; or are themselves disabled.”
JAC say that “Applications are particularly welcome from under-represented groups (women, ethnic minority candidates, disabled candidates and solicitors). Training is provided for all appointed members.”
Fees are paid according to the number of days worked. Usually, members have to commit to working at least fifteen days a year. Appointments last for five years and are generally renewed at the end of that period.
Clearly, because of the uncertain number of days that might be worked, claimants on means-tested benefits would need to think carefully and get advice before applying for such a position.
But it’s an opportunity to use your knowledge and experience to help appeal tribunals reach the right decision.
If this is something you think you would be interested in, there is a link on this page to sign up for email alerts for the recruitment campaign
