England’s first ever children’s commissioner announced

Professor Al Aynsley-Green has been appointed as the first
ever children’s commissioner, the government announced today,
writes Clare Jerrom.

The revelation follows months of speculation as to who would
take up the post which was created through the Children Act
2004.

Aynsley-Green is currently the National Clinical Director for
Children within the Department for Health.

He said: “I will be drawing on my experience of working
with children and young people to help ensure that those with the
power to improve children’s lives do live up to their
responsibilities.”

The commissioner will have the powers to:-

The new commissioner

• identify the needs of children and young people

• initiate inquiries on behalf of young people

• look into matters relating to the interests and wellbeing
of children.

The appointment has been broadly welcomed across the social care
sector. “Al Aynsley-Green has an excellent track record in
championing children and young people,” said NCB chief executive
Paul Ennals.

“As national clinical director for children, responsible for the
Children’s National Service Framework, he has shown the ability and
the determination to make a real difference to children’s
lives.”

Carolyne Willow, national co-ordinator of the Children’s Rights
Alliance added: “Professor Aynsley-Green has an excellent track
record of pushing forward children’s interests and concerns.”

Hilton Dawson MP,  Esther Rantzen and Susanna Cheal, the chief
executive of the Who Cares? Trust, were all thought to have applied
for the job.

There are three children’s commissioners in place in the UK.
Peter Clarke is the children’s commissioner for Wales,
Kathleen Marshall represents children and young people in Scotland
and Nigel Williams is the children’s commissioner for
Northern Ireland.

Aynsley-Green will take up his duties immediately, becoming
full-time on 1 July 2005.