New Children’s Commissioner takes up post
Sir Al Aynsley-Green's successor starts work
Dr Maggie Atkinson took up her post as the new Children’s Commissioner for England at the beginning of this month. Dr Atkinson replaced Sir Al Aynsley-Green, the first appointee to this office, who retired at the end of his five-year term.
Dr Atkinson was most recently Director of Children’s Services in Gateshead. Among other roles she has been President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services.
Commenting on her appointment, Maggie Atkinson said:
"I am delighted to have been appointed as the Children's Commissioner for England. I have worked with children and young people throughout my career and am passionate about improving their lives. It really is a privilege to have been given the opportunity to lead a unique organisation that is the independent, statutory voice of children and young people. I look forward to continuing the organisation’s work to improve children and young people’s lives by making sure that their views and concerns are taken on board by the people who make the decisions that affect them. I also intend to continue to champion children’s rights and safeguard their interests.
"I intend to build on the organisation’s achievements over the first five years, including its work to encourage people to listen to children and young people when making decisions about them, to improve conditions for children in the asylum system and those with mental health conditions."
The Children's Commissioner for England was established under the Children Act 2004 to be the independent voice of children and young people and to champion their interests and bring their concerns and views to the national arena. The Commissioner’s work must take regard of children’s rights and seek to improve the wellbeing of children and young people.
- Keywords:
- children
- Children's Commissioner