Dr Sally Witcher, chief executive of Inclusion Scotland, has been appointed as chair of the Scottish Commission on Social Security

A leading third sector figure will oversee vital scrutiny of Scotland’s new social security system.

Dr Sally Witcher, chief executive of Inclusion Scotland, has been appointed as chair of the Scottish Commission on Social Security, a new watchdog.

The body will provide independent and expert scrutiny of devolved Scottish social security, holding ministers to account for delivering a system based on dignity, fairness and respect.

Dr Witcher has around 30 years of experience working in a range of relevant roles – as well as her work at Inclusion Scotland, she is deputy chair of the Disability and Carers’ Benefits Expert Advisory Group and a member of the Scottish Government’s Poverty and Inequality Commission.

Announcing the appointment, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted to appoint Sally Witcher to this new but vitally important role. As we continue to build a Scottish social security system it is only right that we are held to account for the decisions we take.

“I know that Sally shares my desire to create a social security system based upon the principles of dignity, fairness and respect and I warmly welcome her to this position.”

Dr Witcher said: “The Social Security Act Scotland represents an historic opportunity to establish a coherent system based on dignity and respect. The challenge now will be to ensure that the positive commitments set out in the Charter are translated into the real-life experience of people claiming devolved benefits.

“The Scottish Commission on Social Security will have a key role to play in scrutinising developments and promoting accountability. It is a great honour to be appointed to the role of chair of the Commission.”