Presentation by Lucy Andrew

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• Presentation by Lucy Andrew
• Childrens Commissioner Sponsor Team
• Department for Education Skills

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Childrens Commissioner

• The first independent champion for children and
  young people in England

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Main Functions of the Commissioner(as set out in
the Children Act 2004)

• To promote awareness of the views and interests
  of children in England.
• To encourage others working with children to take
  account of their views and interests.
• To advise the Secretary of State on the views and
  interests of children.
• Consider the complaints procedures relating to
  children.
• Consider anything relating to the interests of
  children.

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Childrens Commissioners Framework

• The views and interests of children in relation
  to the Every Child Matters outcomes
• Physical and mental health and emotional
  well-being
• Protection from harm and neglect
• Education, training and recreation
• The contribution made by them to society
• Social and economic well-being.
• The views and interests of children with regard
  to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
  the Child.

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Childrens Commissioner Inquiries

• The Childrens Commissioner will not normally
  investigate cases relating to individual
  children,
• BUT
• if the case raises issues that may have wider
  implications for children, the Commissioner may
  wish to conduct an inquiry.

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A Powerful Childrens Commissioner

• The Childrens Commissioner has a number of
  powers to help operate effectively on behalf of
  children
• to enter premises for the purposes of
  interviewing children
• to interview children in private if necessary
• to request information from others
• to call witnesses during an inquiry
• to publish reports with recommendations that must
  be acted upon.

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Recruiting a Childrens Champion
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The rocky of politics a fighter for children
young people
Someone who makes sure all are equal
Someone who will listen and take action
Someone who will participate and get involved in
the things that we do
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Getting the Right Person for the Job

• Ability to think strategically about the issues
  and problems facing children and young people and
  think of innovative ways to tackle them.
• Ability to communicate well and build strong
  relationships with children and young people and
  other stakeholders.
• Well developed listening skills with the ability
  to learn from and gain confidence of children and
  young people.
• Knowledge of childrens services and the policy
  context.
• Experience with a range of stakeholders to
  deliver outcomes for children and young people.
• Strong negotiation, persuasion and diplomacy
  skills.

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The Recruitment Process
Agency Interview CYP written exercise
CYP QA Session Panel Interview
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What next?

• Ministers to make decision and announce
  appointment end February 2005.
• Commissioner to take up post by summer 2005.
• Commissioner will be based in London and likely
  to have staff of around 20.
• Thoughts How can the Participation Network work
  with the Childrens Commissioner?

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Questions??
Questions??

• Presentation by Lucy Andrew
• Childrens Commissioner Sponsor Team
• Department for Education Skills
• 0207 925 5080