Children and Families Bill

Insert the following new Clause—

“Independence of the Children’s Commissioner

In Schedule 1 to the Children Act 2004, in paragraph 1 (status) after sub-
paragraph (2) insert—

“(3)   The Secretary of State shall not undermine the Children’s
Commissioner’s independence and shall ensure that the Children’s
Commissioner is under as few constraints as reasonably possible in
determining—

(a)   the Commissioner’s activities,

(b)   the Commissioner’s timetables, and

(c)   the Commissioner’s priorities.”.”

Page 188, line 9, at end insert—

“(za)   after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A)    The Secretary of State shall appoint an individual only
if the Secretary of State reasonably considers the
individual—

(a)   has adequate experience and knowledge
relating to children’s rights, including the
involvement of children in decision-making;
and

(b)   is able and willing to act independently of
Government.”.”

Page 188, line 14, at end insert—

“(d)   after sub-paragraph (7) insert—

  “(8) The Secretary of State shall have due regard to the
views of any parliamentary committee which has
published a view on a proposed appointment or
removal from office of the Children’s
Commissioner.”.”