Education Secretary confirms plans for two key children's sector appointments

• Dame Rachel de Souza named as preferred candidate to become Children's Commissioner
• Annie Hudson appointed Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
• Education Secretary: "Protecting and defending vulnerable children is more important than ever before"

The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has named Dame Rachel de Souza as his preferred candidate to be the next Children’s Commissioner for England, following approval by the Prime Minister.

Dame Rachel de Souza will now go on to attend a pre-appointment hearing before the Education Select Committee, on a date to be confirmed by the Committee.

Mr Williamson has also appointed Annie Hudson as the new Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, a key oversight role in children's social care.

The independent panel of experts was established in July 2018 to review serious child safeguarding incidents, when children have died or suffered serious harm, or where abuse or neglect is suspected. Ms Hudson will take over from Interim Chair Karen Manners QPM, whose appointment ends on 24 December.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“It is more important than ever before to have experienced and dedicated colleagues working with us in a shared ambition to protect and defend the most vulnerable children.

“Annie Hudson’s impressive and proven leadership in children’s services makes her best placed to drive the important work of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

"I look forward to finalising the appointment of Dame Rachel de Souza as the next Children’s Commissioner, where she will bring her considerable experience of raising outcomes for every child to this essential role.

“I am grateful to Anne Longfield and Karen Manners for their service, acting as champions for the children in this country who need the most support.”

The Children’s Commissioner serves a six year term and current Commissioner Anne Longfield OBE will continue in her role until 28 February 2021.

Dame Rachel de Souza is currently the Chief Executive of the Inspiration Trust – a multi-academy trust of 14 academies based in Norfolk and north Suffolk, which aims to turnaround poorly performing schools. She was appointed a Dame in the New Year’s Honours in 2014 for her services to Education.

Following her pre-appointment hearing, the Education Select Committee will publish their recommendations, which the Education Secretary will consider before deciding whether to finalise the appointment.

Formerly Director of Children's Services at both Lambeth Borough Council in London and Bristol City Council, Ms Hudson is an experienced children’s services leader. She also comes with a wealth of experience on several national boards, including as a member of the What Works Centre for Children Social Care advisory board and as a trustee at The Social Care Institute for Excellence and Oxfam GB.

Incoming Chair of the Panel, Annie Hudson, said:

“I feel immensely privileged and excited to have been appointed to the role of Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. I want to do all that I can to make sure that the Panel’s work has a very clear and positive impact on safeguarding practice and, most crucially, on the lives of children, young people, and their families.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. Anne Longfield OBE will continue in her role as the Children’s Commissioner for England until 28 February 2021.
2. The role of the Children’s Commissioner was created by the Children Act 2004 and has been strengthened by the Children and Families Act 2014. The role of the Children’s Commissioner 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. Read more about the role of the Children’s Commissioner.
3. The role and terms of appointment for the Children’s Commissioner for England are defined in part 6 and schedule 5 of the Children and Families Act 2014. The person specification for the role was drawn up in consultation with civil society organisations and the current Children’s Commissioner and includes:
   1. An understanding of the issues and problems facing children and young people in England, and the ability to bring about solutions that have a demonstrable impact on children’s lives.
   2. The ability to demonstrate a pragmatic approach to addressing and resolving complex issues, with a particular focus on delivering outcomes.
   3. The ability to lead a high profile and complex organisation, create effective partnership working and provide valuable challenge.
   4. The confidence and ability to successfully communicate, influence and work collaboratively with a wide range of groups – including children, decision makers, government and parliament.
   5. An understanding of all relevant statutory duties and how children’s rights are protected and promoted through domestic legislation.
   6. Understanding and knowledge of the key rights of children such as, a child’s right to quality of education and the rights of children who are living away from home or receiving social care.
   7. Ability and working understanding of financial management and the importance of securing value for money.
   8. The ability to think strategically about the issues affecting children and young people.
   9. The ability to engage effectively with and gain the confidence of children and young people in order to represent their views and interests.