The Welsh Government’s announced plans for an independent review into the role and functions of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales yesterday (Friday 14).
It follows calls from the current Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler for a review to reflect the developments and changes in Wales since his office was established.
The position of Children’s Commissioner for Wales was created in 2001 to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of children and young people in Wales
The details and timescale of the review are being developed, but the key principles will be:
- The review is to ensure that we have a Children’s Commissioner for Wales whose role is as clear and as effective as possible for the benefit of children and young people.
- The review will be independent of the Welsh Government with a view to offering recommendations for Welsh Ministers to consider.
- The review will not concentrate on the day to day operational arrangements of the office but may need to consider these aspects as part of the process.
- The review will also consider the international approach in relation to other Commissioners for children and young people and Ombudsmen.
Communities & Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said:
“Wales was the first country in the United Kingdom to establish a Children’s Commissioner back in 2001 and since then all other parts of the UK have followed our lead.
“In my recent discussions with the Commissioner he told me of his concerns about the legislation that supports his office and the need to review the role and functions of the Commissioner.
“Let me be clear, this review is not about the current Commissioner. I agree with Keith Towler that the time is right for us to do this to make sure this important role continues to safeguard and promote the rights of children across Wales for years to come.
“In the coming weeks we will work with him and others to develop the details of the review to make sure it gives us a truly independent picture of where we are and how the office of the Children’s Commissioner can continue to effectively champion the rights of children.”
