Volunteers are being asked to shape Scotland’s new, fairer social security system, and I am encouraging Clydesdale residents to participate.

Applications are open to people from any background with experience of the current benefits system to join the Scottish Government’s Social Security Experience Panels.

Those living in rural communities, ethnic minorities and people under 25 are being particularly encouraged to apply to make panels as representative as possible.

Members are regularly asked for their views in a number of ways, including workshops, interviews and surveys that can be carried out face-to-face, on the phone and online.

The Experience Panels have been incredibly valuable and put people with the lived reality of the current benefits system at the heart of helping to shape Scotland’s new, fairer social security system.

With those in rural communities, young people and minority groups being particularly sought to ensure the panels are representative of Scotland as a whole, I would strongly encourage people in Clydesdale to consider taking part and giving their input on how we can ensure dignity, fairness, and respect are at the core of our new Social Security system.

Information on how to join the panels can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-experience-panels-faqs/