Much has been made of the job's limited authority. Unlike counterparts in the other British nations, England's commissioner lacks the power to take up cases of individual children, as Sir Al has often bemoaned. This isn't about to change. By virtue of the very title however, the children's commissioner is in an unrivalled position to listen to and champion the views and interests of the young.
Sir Al's performance in this regard, according to many in the sector, has been underwhelming. Granted, as the first holder of the post, there was plenty of work behind the scenes to establish an office and build awareness. But the organisation, branded 11 Million, is this month being restructured. A five-year strategy formed only in 2007 has been torn up and replaced by a different three-year plan.
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