Announcements (Archive)

Children’s Commissioner for England

• Body: Department for Education
• Appointing Department: Department for Education
• Sectors: Charity & Public Sector, Communities, Culture, Media & Sport, Education, Health and Social Care, Judicial, Prison & Policing
• Location: England
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Remuneration: Competitive salary - The post affords remuneration of between £120,000 - £130,000.
• Time Requirements: Full time

Campaign Timeline

1. Competition Launched

   27/07/2020

2. Closed for Applications

   Midday on 18 September 2020

3. Panel Sift

   w/c 28 September 2020

4. Final Interview Date

   w/c 2 November 2020

5. Announcement

   w/c 14 December 2020

Announcement

An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.

Date: 18/12/2020

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Assessment Panel

• Panel Member: Simon Burns
• Added: 22/07/2020
• Panel Role: Panel Chair
• Positions: President of West Oxfordshire Conservative Association and Government Liasion Officer for Clinova Ltd. Other Panel Member

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Political Activity	Former Conservative MP, most recently for Chelmsford May 2010 – May 2017
Notes	-

• Panel Member: Cindy Butts
• Added: 22/07/2020
• Positions: Commissioner, Criminal Cases Review Commission Senior Independent Panel Member

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Political Activity	-
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• Panel Member: Jon Yates
• Added: 22/07/2020
• Positions: Executive Director, Youth Endowment Fund Other Panel Member

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Political Activity	Former Chief Policy Adviser to the Secretary of State for Education 2018-19
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• Panel Member: Indra Morris
• Added: 22/07/2020
• Positions: Director General, Social Care, Mobility and Disadvantage Group, Department for Education Departmental Official

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Political Activity	-
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• Panel Member: Andrew McCully
• Added: 22/07/2020
• Positions: Director General, Early Years and Schools Group, Department for Education Departmental Official

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Political Activity	-
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Vacancy Description

The Commissioner operates as a corporation sole, sponsored by the Department for Education and is appointed by the Secretary of State for Education. The Commissioner’s primary function is promoting and protecting the rights of children in England. The legislative basis for the office of Children’s Commissioner is in Part 1 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 2004 (as amended). This establishes the independence of the office and the six year tenure of the post holder www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/31/contents The legislation relating to the Children’s Commissioner is permissive, allowing significant flexibility for the Commissioner to determine how best to carry out his or her primary function of promoting and protecting children’s rights. The Commissioner is not an Ombudsman and, in general, cannot conduct investigations into the case of an individual child. The Commissioner is bound by the Seven guiding principles of public life (Nolan Principles) and is required to account for the public funding allocated to the role. In 2019/20, the Commissioner was allocated a budget of £2.73m. The Commissioner is also allowed to appoint staff to assist in the delivery of their functions. Currently, the Commissioner employs around 25 staff.

Person Specification

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria: 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. The ability to demonstrate a pragmatic approach to addressing and resolving complex issues, with a particular focus on delivering outcomes. The ability to lead a high profile and complex organisation, create effective partnership working and provide valuable challenge. The confidence and ability to successfully communicate, influence and work collaboratively with a wide range of groups – including children, decision makers, government and parliament. An understanding of all relevant statutory duties and how children’s rights are protected and promoted through domestic legislation. We also expect candidates to be able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria: 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. Ability and working understanding of financial management and the importance of securing value for money.  The ability to think strategically about the issues affecting children and young people. The ability to engage effectively with and gain the confidence of children and young people in order to represent their views and interests.

Additional Information

The preferred candidate for the post of Children’s Commissioner for England maybe required to appear before a Parliamentary Select Committee prior to appointment.

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is: 18 September 2020

Please submit the following documents by email to:

PublicAppointments.APPLICATIONS@education.gov.uk

• A personal statement, which demonstrates how you meet the key requirements for the role, as set out in “who we’re looking for” section. No more than two sides of A4 in font 12
• A CV
• Candidate Application / Declaration Form
• Diversity Monitoring Form

If submitting your application by email please include the heading “Children’s Commissioner for England” in the subject box and submit your application documents as separate attachments.

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date
• Applications will be assessed on the documentation provided. Please refer to the advert to ensure you have provided the necessary documentation. We will assess it based solely on documentation provided.
• Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
• Feedback will only be given to candidates unsuccessful following interview.
• When 30 or more applications are received, it is likely that your application will be “pre-assessed” by departmental officials before it is passed to the shortlisting Panel for consideration. You should be aware that in this situation, your application might not be considered in full by all the members of the Panel.