Gove launches "wide-ranging" review of Children's Commissoner role
The government has announced a review of the role and functions of the Children’s Commissioner for England.
In a written ministerial statement, Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “It is now over five years since the first Children’s Commissioner for England took up office but the role and remit have not yet been reviewed. There is continued debate about the remit of the post; as compared to its counterparts in other countries and the devolved administrations; its public profile; and the impact it has had.”
The role of Children’s Commissioner was created by the Children Act 2004 with a remit to promote awareness of the views and interests of children in England.
Dr John Dunford, the General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leader, has been appointed to lead the review, which will consider three key aspects:
- The powers, remit and functions of the Children’s Commissioner
- The relationship with other related functions supported by government
- Value for money.
Maggie Atkinson, the Children’s Commissioner, welcomed the review and said she was “delighted” that the government had stated that it was committed to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
She added: “I and staff at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner agree with the government that there is a need for someone to speak out on behalf of children when decisions are made that impact on their lives. The review…..provides the opportunity for us to explore the very best way for doing this.”
Dr Durnford said he would be looking with an open mind about the best way to give young people a voice and protect their rights.
“That is why it is important that I talk to young people themselves to hear their views about the best way to represent them,” he added, saying he would talk to a wide range of children’s groups, and people working in education and children’s services.
