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The Scottish executive has announced the role and remit of an independent commissioner to 'champion' the rights of children and young people.

The commissioner’s remit will include the promoting and safeguarding of children’s rights, with the right to make recommendations for appropriate action, whilst communicating with children about their rights. The commissioner will be able to initiate general investigations, but will not have the power to investigate the case of an individual child or young person.

He or she will promote good practice, issue guidance and consider the impact of all legislation, policy and initiatives on children (and their families) through the publication of a 'child impact statement'. The commissioner will also be required to publish an annual report.

The education, culture and sport committee of the Scottish parliament recommended the appointment of a children’s commissioner in July.

The commissioner’s remit will extend to children and young people up to the age of 18. However, the executive has agreed to the committee’s suggestion that the commissioner’s responsibilities should include those young people under 21 to whom the local authority still owes a duty of care under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

Cathy Jamieson, minister for education and young people, said, "I see the commissioner as a champion for all children and young people. But those most at risk of exclusion and deprivation must be the priority.

"The post could act in a number of different areas - making children and young people aware of their rights and raising public awareness, engaging directly with young people, carrying out general investigations, and providing recommendations for change."