The Prime Minister has confirmed significant appointments to the Security Vetting Appeals Panel, a body vital for ensuring fairness and oversight in the UK's national security framework. Sir James Goss has been approved as the new Deputy Chair, with his tenure set to commence on 7 May 2025, for a period of four years. This appointment follows a distinguished career in the judiciary, culminating in his retirement from the High Court Bench in January 2026.
Sir James Goss was called to the Bar in 1975 and became a King’s Counsel in 1997. His judicial career saw him appointed a Recorder in 1994, a Circuit Judge in 2009, and the Senior Circuit Judge and Recorder of Newcastle in 2011. He was elevated to a High Court Judge in the King’s Bench Division in 2014, serving as a Presiding Judge of the North Eastern Circuit between 2017 and 2020. His extensive experience also includes becoming a Judicial Commissioner at the Investigatory Powers Commission in 2025.
Alongside Sir James's appointment, five new lay members have also joined the panel, bringing a wealth of expertise from various fields relevant to national security and public administration. Mrs Mary Calam, Mr Delroy Henry, Mr Matthew Parr, Ms Tracey Tuffuor Oppong, and Dr Suzy Walton were first appointed on 9 December 2024, and their terms are scheduled to run until 8 December 2028. These individuals collectively offer a diverse range of skills and insights, crucial for the panel's important work.
Mrs Mary Calam is a former Senior Civil Servant with significant roles at the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, and the Home Office, where she served as Director General for Crime, Policing and Fire. Mr Delroy Henry, a barrister since 1999, has experience as a Crown Advocate, Rape Panel Advocate, and HM Coroner since 2014. Mr Matthew Parr is a former senior Naval officer who commanded a nuclear submarine and later became HM Inspector of Constabulary. Ms Tracey Tuffuor Oppong is a solicitor and Director of Litigation and Corporate Law at the Metropolitan Police Service, with 18 years of experience in covert policing and counter-terrorism. Dr Suzy Walton is a chartered director, occupational psychologist, and former Senior Civil Servant from the Cabinet Office and MoD, and a Vice-President of Combat Stress.
The Security Vetting Appeals Panel plays a critical role in reviewing appeals against decisions to refuse or withdraw security clearance, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and that decisions are proportionate and justified. The depth of experience brought by these new appointments underscores the government's commitment to maintaining a robust and impartial appeals process for sensitive national security matters.