Voice for vulnerable children nominated

Schools secretary Ed Balls has named Maggie Atkinson, a former director of children's services, as his preferred candidate for the position of children's commissioner.

The commissioner acts independently from the government to promote the interests of children in both the public and private sector.

According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Ms Atkinson was selected following a "competitive and rigorous" process.

She is currently chair of the National Expert Group on the Children's Workforce and national chair for the new Centre of Excellence in Outcomes, a new organisation tasked with identifying good practice in children's services.

Mr Balls has invited the cross-party Children and Families Select Committee to question Ms Atkinson and determine her suitability for the role.

The BBC reports that Martin Narey, chief executive of children's charity Barnardo's, welcomed the nomination.

"I have been hugely impressed with her work both in the north-east and when recently leading the Association of Directors of Children's Services," he told the news source.

Written by Theo Foulds

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