The Children's Commissioner
On 2 March 2005, Professor Al Aynsley-Green was appointed as England's first Children's Commissioner.
Competition has been fierce for this trailblazing new role, which will, for the first time, give a national voice to all children and young people, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Working closely with those whose decisions and actions affect all aspects of children's lives, the Commissioner will ensure that the views and interests of children and young people are heard and acted upon at a national level. He will also be able to look into any matter relating to the interests and well-being of children, particularly as set out by the Every Child Matters agenda. This agenda will be driven in large part by children and young people themselves. Professor Aynsley-Green will work in close consultation with them and organisations working with children on promoting:
- physical and mental health and emotional well-being
- protection from harm and neglect
- education, training and recreation
- the contribution made by children to society
- social and economic well-being
The search for the right person to fulfil this role was a long and extensive one. The successful candidate was to be someone who understood the needs and aspirations of children and young people today, as well as being a 'mover and shaker' capable of influencing others and bringing about change.
Professor Aynsley-Green is that very person. In the words of Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, 'His appointment will strengthen the voice of children and young people, giving them their very own representative to take forward the matters close to their hearts.' He was appointed National Clinical Director for Children at the Department of Health in July 2001. He is the Nuffield Professor of Child Health at the Institute of Child Health, University College London, and at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust. He has a major research interest in the history of children and childhood and their standing in contemporary society. He is also a proud grandfather with four young grandchildren. His personality, commitment and enthusiasm will be the driving force behind this exciting new public role and will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.
Children themselves have said that they want a Children's Commissioner to be capable of respecting their views and of listening to their concerns on issues such as bullying, personal safety and pressure in education. Many also stressed the importance of having an understanding of different kinds of social backgrounds. Personal qualities such as patience and open-mindedness were high on the list, as well as a genuine commitment to the job and an ability to get things done. Professor Aynsley-Green's words on being appointed to this post were:
I want all children and young people to know that they can approach me to discuss any matter that affects them, knowing that I will value their opinion. Children and young people have often been ignored in public life and I am dedicating my role to setting that straight.
This is no ordinary job, and applicants have had to go through no ordinary recruitment process, facing tough questioning at every stage from precisely those whose views they hope to represent — children and young people themselves. Candidates were asked to provide written answers to questions such as 'How would you introduce yourself and your role to children?' and to consider how they would tackle issues such as drug abuse, lack of amenities for young people and inclusion of the disabled. The final stage of the selection process saw shortlisted candidates facing a panel of children and young people for more in-depth questioning.
Read about Professor Aynsley-Green's roles and responsibilities. For more information see the press notice and biography.
Published: 02 March 2005
