Anne Longfield appointed as new children’s commissioner

Ms Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, will take up the six-year post on 1 March 2015 from the current commissioner Maggie Atkinson.

According to Ms Morgan, Anne Longfield’s 30 years’ experience in developing, influencing and shaping the agenda for children and families across Parliament and Government made her an ‘outstanding candidate’.

The announcement follows concerns voiced by a number of people in the sector over the preferred candidacy of Ms Longfield and her independence from government, given 4Children's role as strategic partner for the DfE.

Ms Longfield said her priorities as children’s commissioner will be to encourage all ‘parties’ to sign up and reaffirm their commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Also, she wanted to start a ‘much-needed’ debate around a shift in culture to prioritise the rights of the child in cases of sexual exploitation and for children in care and care leavers.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said, ‘I am delighted to appoint Anne to the role, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Maggie for all her hard work over the last four years.

‘Anne has shown relentless dedication and drive to improving the lives of children and young people during a career spanning over 30 years, and I know she shares my commitment to championing children’s rights and safeguarding their interests - particularly the most vulnerable.

‘I have absolutely no doubt that her strong track record in children and young people’s services and the passion she has demonstrated throughout her career will make a real difference to the lives of children across the country as she takes the helm at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.’

Commenting on her new appointment, Anne Longfield said, ‘I am delighted and hugely privileged to have been appointed as the next children’s commissioner for England.

‘It’s a vitally important role with the potential to make a real difference for children in this country - especially for those vulnerable children who need our protection and support the most.

‘I very much look forward to taking up the post next year.’

Pip O’Byrne, chair of 4Children, said, ‘We are delighted that Anne is to become the next children’s commissioner for England. Anne has been an inspiring leader of 4Children for 20 years and has made a huge difference to the lives of children and families across the country. We will miss her greatly but know she will have a huge impact in further improving the lives of children. 

‘4Children will begin its recruitment process to find a new chief executive very shortly.’