Joint working - Arise, the next children's commissioner

When Sir Al Aynsley-Green was appointed England's first children's commissioner in 2005, the sector had high hopes about the difference he could make to children's policy. As a former clinical director for children at the Department of Health, it was thought he had the right blend of political know-how and understanding of children's issues.

But as Aynsley-Green prepares for retirement, many in the sector are disappointed by the degree of his achievements. And as the search for his replacement gets under way, they are also pessimistic that his successor will fare any better.

Aynsley-Green is well known for campaigning on issues such as bullying and the use of Mosquito devices to disperse young people.

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, says: "He has pushed some high-profile issues into the public domain, particularly about children's rights and participation. But little has changed in terms of policy. Too often, children are still not being listened to."

She says 11 Million, the office of the children's commissioner, needs to ring the changes to herald the arrival of the new commissioner. More partnerships with other children's organisations and scope for the commissioner to engage directly with children in schools and children's centres are on her wish list. "All children should know who the children's commissioner is. It should be taught in citizenship lessons," she adds.

Restructure

11 Million is aware of such criticisms and earlier this month announced that the organisation would be restructured, for the second time in two years. Its chief executive, Sue Berelowitz, says in addition to appointing policy experts in health, social care and youth justice, the new structure will emphasise partnerships with groups such as The National Youth Agency and the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).

Andy Hamflett, chief executive of UKYP, welcomes the proposed changes. But he says: "11 Million could have been so much more effective if it had linked up with us before. Take the commissioner's campaign against Mosquito devices. His comments were welcome, but they lacked the young person's perspective that we could have given."

Hamflett does praise Aynsley-Green as "someone who is committed to improving the lives of children and is very good at engaging them". However, he concedes that "a fresh perspective is needed" to ensure the incumbent is a true champion for young people.

Mike Lindsay, national co-ordinator of the Children's Rights Alliance for England, says the next commissioner will need to possess the political knowledge of Aynsley-Green, but also a much higher profile as a children's rights campaigner.

The prefect commissioner

"If there was a template for the perfect children's commissioner, then 11 Million would need to be looking at someone like Kathleen Marshall, Scotland's children's commissioner," he says. "She voices things that the Scottish Government sometimes find uncomfortable. She is knowledgeable and a real champion for children."

However, Lindsay concedes that attracting such a person to the role will be difficult, as it lacks the power that Marshall has to investigate individual cases. "In fact, the role in England doesn't even conform to international standards," he says. "It lacks sufficient funding and it doesn't carry the power of an ombudsman to take on children's cases."

As a result, Lindsay fears the most suitable candidates will be put off. "There are some really effective children's rights campaigners who I know would not take this job, because it lacks the power that the role really needs," he reveals.

The job description for the post, which carries a £120,000 salary on a five-year term, offers little indication it will carry such power. Instead it emphasises the commissioner's role in promoting "the awareness of views and interests of children and young people", and only mentions the "monitoring" of government performance.

Some notable figures who could throw their hats into the ring

Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder, Kids Company

Viewed as a truly independent and outspoken champion for children's rights, Batmanghelidjh also engages well with children, the media and politicians. Her experience in setting up Kids Company demonstrates her credentials in standing up for the rights of England's most vulnerable young people.

Beverley Hughes, former children's minister

Four years as children's minister gives Hughes unparalleled insight into children's policy and the workings of government. She knows the key political players and would be taken seriously. She quit as minister earlier this month and intends to leave Parliament at the next general election, so she could be available.

Martin Narey, chief executive, Barnardo's

Narey is used to dealing with politicians and the media - and is equally at home on the GMTV couch as in a parliamentary meeting. Barnardo's campaigning work on child poverty has given him a high media profile and many in the sector believe he has the right blend of political knowledge and campaign awareness.

Esther Rantzen, founder, ChildLine

If raising public awareness of the role was the chief purpose, Rantzen might be considered a shoo-in. But some question whether the TV personality's lack of political experience would affect her ability to change policy. She recently said she would consider standing as an independent MP at the next general election.