The Big Question

Joan Scott

Action Unlimited

Children certainly need a champion. It needs someone to make
sure that children are not being abused, either in children’s homes
or in their own homes. Someone strong is required to check what’s
going on, so if children need help they can get it. It’s got to be
someone they can trust. Let’s hope Aynsley-Green is the right man
for this job.

Len Smith

Gypsy Activist

Aynsley-Green’s appointment is one that you hope will make a
real difference and deserves support. On my own agenda, I hope that
the new “champion” will also look at the deprivation suffered by
gypsy and traveller children, who currently receive little access
to education, health and welfare services, due to lack of site
provision.

Karen Shook

Disability Equality Adviser

The commissioner has much experience in the area of children’s
welfare. But it is hard to judge how much real power to enforce
change this post will bring. Let’s hope that Aynsley-Green can
change some children’s lives for the better and not just make
futile recommendations that are never taken up.

Kierra Box

Young People’s Activist

I’m sure that his experience and enthusiasm will count for a
lot. But it saddens me that such an important advocate for young
people will come from a civil service post rather than from direct
work with young people, and I wonder why a champion for young
people could not be themselves be a young person.

nd I wonder why a champion for young people could not be
themselves a young person.