A LEADER in children’s services is to review the role of the children’s commissioner in Wales, the Welsh government announced this week.
Dr Mike Shooter, a leader in the field of child psychiatry, has been named as the independent reviewer looking at the role and function of the commissioner in Wales.
Dr Shooter has held positions with Children in Wales, Samaritans and the National Children’s Bureau. He is also chairman of Play Wales and the ministerial expert group on advocacy.
Wales was the first country in the UK to establish a children’s commissioner in 2001 and since then all other UK nations have followed suit.
The review will look at the role of the children’s commissioner for Wales; the impact of the role; a review of legislation; and governance and accountability.
Dr Shooter, who said setting up the commissioner’s office was “one of the most noteworthy developments of devolution” will announce shortly his call for evidence and is expected to report back to the minister with his findings in December.
The review follows calls from the current commissioner, Keith Towler.
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