Review of the Office the Children's Commissioner (England)

Book excerpt: John Dunford was asked to undertake a review of the office, role and functions of the Children's Commissioner for England. The review also examined the relationship with other Government-funded organisations carrying out related functions, and value for money. Chapter 1 explore the unique role of the Commissioner. The UK has obligations to meet as a result of being a signatory of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the role of the Commissioner is crucial to compliance with the Convention. In chapter two, the report recommends strengthening the remit, powers and independence of the Commissioner. Areas addressed include: children and young people's rights; focus on vulnerable groups; credibility; casework; independence; additional powers. The relationship with other organisations is the topic of chapter 3. It is recommended that the Office merges with the Children's Rights Director, currently located in Ofsted, with safeguards built in to protect the interests of vulnerable children covered by the CRD's remit. The Office is not expensive to run but has not yet provided value for money (chapter 4) principally due to the flaws in the present model. The proposed new model would provide that value for money in future, particularly with robust performance measurement to assess its impact. A new Office of the Children's Commissioner for England should be established through the merger. The review believes it will meet the Cabinet Office tests of technical expertise, impartiality and independence.