Commissioner for Wales is up to the challenge
By Howard Williamson
Children & Young People Now
26 March 2008
It was an "exceedingly drawn-out" appointments process, according to one Welsh politician. But Keith Towler came through the interviews, both with young people and politicians, to secure the position of children's commissioner for Wales, just under a year after the untimely death of his predecessor Peter Clarke.
The appointment was announced by Jane Hutt, the Welsh Assembly's education minister and an Assembly minister since its start. Hutt, unlike many politicians, can spot someone with knowledge, experience, a sense of independence and a reputation for integrity. She also had the courage to appoint one. Towler has a background in youth work,...