New Children’s Commissioner appointed

The Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, has yesterday (13 November 2014) announced the appointment of Anne Longfield OBE as the new Children's Commissioner for England. The role of the Children’s Commissioner, which was created by the Children Act 2004 and has been strengthened by the Children and Families Act 2014, is to promote and protect the rights of all children in England with a particular focus on those with difficulties or challenges in their lives, such as those living away from home, in or leaving care, or receiving social care services. Ms Longfield, chief executive of 4Children - a national charity which works to support children, young people and families - will take up her post on 1 March 2015. Her 30 years’ experience in developing, influencing and shaping the agenda for children and families across Parliament and government have made her the outstanding candidate to oversee the Office of the Children’s Commission for the next 6 years. Anne Longfield OBE will replace the current Children’s Commissioner for England Maggie Atkinson, who has held the post since 2010.

About Anne Longfield

Anne Longfield OBE has enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished career in the voluntary sector, including spearheading and leading on a number of high-profile campaigns, commissions and inquiries which have helped improve support for children and families. She has also spent time in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit at the Cabinet Office.

She has been chief executive for 4Children for more than 20 years and received the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contribution to children’s services in the millennium honours. She also gained the Freedom of the City of London in 2013 for services to children in the capital.