The Children's Commissioner for Wales is a publicly funded post in Wales, with responsibility for protecting children's rights as set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Peter Clarke was the Commissioner from its introduction in 2001 until his death in 2007. The job interview process was notable for including children as panelists alongside adults. Keith Towler became Wales' second Children's Commissioner on 1 March 2008.
The post, equivalent to the Children's Ombudsman agencies of many other countries, was established following a decade-long campaign by children's organisations in Wales. In 2000, Sir Ronald Waterhouse published the report of his inquiry into abuse in children's homes in north Wales, and recommended the creation of a Children's Commissioner post to prevent such scandals in the future. The UK Parliament subsequently passed the necessary legislation for the position to be established (the Children's Commissioner for Wales Act 2001).
The Children's Commissioner has a number of legal, communications, policy-making and administrative staff, based in offices in Swansea and Colwyn Bay.
Read more about Children's Commissioner For Wales: Commissioners
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