Stuart Myers is a Fee-paid Specialist Member who has worked on Tribunals in three difference jurisdictions: Social Security and Child Support (SSCS), Mental Health and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
“After a career in local government spanning 18 years, I have had various roles. These mainly include supporting vulnerable people. I started out in Social Care working with children with disabilities and their families, then progressing to managing projects and service teams who offer advice around benefits and financial support.
“Since 2018, I have worked on Tribunals in three different jurisdictions. Personally, I was born without arms and use my own experience of disability in my work. I also deliver inspirational talks to schools and at conferences and events
“I have always had a keen interest in the SEND arena, and having left my ‘day job’ in 2018, I was very attracted to the post. I felt that my expertise stood me in good stead to make a valued contribution to the work of the SEND tribunal.
“The JAC selection process was very thorough, but that is how it should be. The selection process and subsequent induction and training are the best I have experienced.
“From a personal perspective, the ability to choose your own availability for sitting days is a positive, The role itself is extremely fulfilling, and knowing that we make decisions that are fair and evidence-based, and are often life changing gives a huge amount of satisfaction.
“The hearings have been held online since 2020 due to the pandemic, which have worked well in the majority of cases. When physical attendance is required, I enjoy travelling to various venues around the country, meeting a whole range of colleagues too.”