A former third sector leader and disability social care provider has been appointed to chair an independent review of the devolved benefit, Adult Disability Payment.

Edel Harris OBE, former Chief Executive of one of the UK’s largest disability charities Mencap, has been appointed to chair the independent review of Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment.

A commitment within the programme for government, the independent review will explore whether the Scottish benefit is meeting the needs of disabled people.

Ms Harris served as CEO of Mencap from 2019 until 2023.

Prior to this role, she spent 11 years as CEO of a disability social care provider based in Aberdeen and has previously served as the Chair of The Life Changes Trust and of the Scottish government’s Social Investment Fund.

Edel Harris was awarded an OBE in 2021 in recognition of her services to the public sector and charity and was the first women President of Aberdeen &  Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

Alongside professionally working with and for disabled people, she has a personal experience as a carer for her son and understands the importance of social security in promoting a social rather than medical model of disability.

Announcing the appointment, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Edel Harris brings a wealth of experience to this important position, both from her leading roles in third sector organisations and her personal experience as a family carer.

“A year on from the national launch of Adult Disability Payment, we are fulfilling our pledge to have an independent review to ensure it is meeting the needs of disabled people both now and in the future. Ms Harris will ensure the views of disabled people and groups that represent them are heard throughout the review.

“I am committed to continuing to improve the experience of people receiving this benefit – to ensure they are supported in line with the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect at the heart of our social security system.”

Delivered by Social Security Scotland, the devolved benefit is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs experienced by people who are disabled or living with a long-term health condition.

Adult Disability Payment currently supports 137,490 disabled people in Scotland – providing £461.8m in payments since its initial rollout in August 2022.

As Chair, Ms Harris will complete an interim report for the Scottish government this year with priorities for early action ahead of concluding the independent review next year.

The chair appointment comes just weeks after the COVID-19 inquiry heard from Dr Jim Elder-Woodward that many disabled people in Scotland felt left behind during the pandemic.

The Scottish government estimates that around 330,000 people will ultimately receive Adult Disability Payment, replacing the UK government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.

Scottish Ministers can expect the first report from the independent review this coming September, which will highlight key areas for change or improvement.

The Chair of the independent review will then submit a final report by June of next year.

Read more: Holyrood committee fails to back Transitions Bill; UN told rights of disabled people in ‘crisis'; Independent Living Fund to reopen for applications; Scotland prioritises neuro-inclusion, says government; Voices of disabled key to policy development; Government announces more support for disabled kids; Glasgow project makes research accessible to all

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