He is appointed by the wartime Coalition government:
“to undertake, with special reference to the inter-relation of the schemes, a survey of the existing national schemes of social insurance and allied services, including workmen's compensation, and to make recommendations.”
The scale of what Beveridge comes up with is totally unexpected – a blueprint for an entire welfare state including a national health service.
On his committee is Muriel Ritson, representing the Department of Health for Scotland, and a highly experienced health administrator previously involved in the Highlands and Islands Medical Service.
Another Scottish woman, Jessy Mair, has a much stronger influence on him and the inspirational language which makes his report a bestseller with the public.