Major progress made in setting up new local service

Social Security Scotland now has more than 100 staff working across the country to set up a local service. This means that one of the Scottish Government’s newest public services now has staff in all 32 local authority areas. We have also announced that we will be recruiting up to 150 more people this year.

Work is continuing with the establishment of this new innovative face to face local delivery service. The 100 plus people working across the country have been engaging with organisations and groups in local communities to promote the benefits available through Social Security Scotland. They have also been working in partnerships with local authorities and the third sector to find suitable locations where they can support clients once this service goes live.

Speaking at a visit to a local delivery location within Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:

“This is another step forward in growing our new social security service in communities across Scotland and shows how we are doing things differently based on our principles of dignity, fairness and respect. The introduction of this direct application support in local communities is a first for access to social security in Scotland. It gives people the option to apply in the way that is right for them – be it by post, phone, online or face-to-face.

“I am delighted to be able to visit Barrhead, which has been identified as one of our local bases. It is great to see how we will be located side by side with other vital community services – making it easier for people to access a range of support in a single place and right in the heart of their community.

“It is also great to meet some of our new recruits who will be working from here and will be the real face of this new public service. What they do will be one of the real differentiating factors between our social security offer and what people may have experienced before.”

Social Security Scotland Chief Executive David Wallace said:

“Our locally based Client Advisers will help support people across Scotland and promote take-up for all the benefits we deliver by reaching people in their local community and supporting them through the application process.

“I hope that people from all communities who share our ambition to deliver a public service that the people of Scotland can be truly proud of, take a look at the advertisements and apply for a suitable position.”