New commissioner needs more clout, argues critic

Maggie Atkinson, former president of the Association of Directors ofChildren's Services (ADCS), is set be confirmed as Sir AlAynsley-Green's replacement this week following a select committeemeeting.

But campaigners have greeted her appointment with mixed reactions. MikeLindsay, national co-ordinator for the Children's Rights Alliance forEngland, described Children's Secretary Ed Balls' choice of Atkinson as"curious". He said: "He has endorsed a director of children's services,a group he condemned at the start of the year for a lack ofleadership."

Lindsay argued the biggest challenge facing Atkinson would be theposition's lack of clout: "The powers of the children's commissioner forEngland don't compare with those in Wales, Scotland and around theworld."

Sir Al, who steps down in February, has faced criticism for his lack ofinfluence on policy, which has led to calls for the post to bescrapped.

Shadow children's minister Tim Loughton refused to confirm whether therole would be retained under a Conservative government, but said: "Weare concerned an appointment was made so close to a general election andthat the government has decided not to carry out a review of therole."

Bill Badham, co-director of Practical Participation, said: "Atkinson'sbackground in local government and the ADCS should help her straddle thetension between national policy and local practice."

THE CHALLENGES - The post needs increased powers, say critics. Thecommissioner cannot take up individual cases, for example- The profileof both the commissioner's role and children's rights needs to be raised- The commissioner needs to be seen as independent of thegovernment-The commissioner must identify a set of key priorities - Theymust win over the next government. Right-wing think-tank the Centre forPolicy Studies has called for the position to be scrapped

ATKINSON'S CV

2003: After 26 years in education, Atkinson joined Gateshead Council asdirector of learning and culture, later becoming director of learningand children

2005: Appointed as Gateshead's director of children's services

2008: Appointed president of the Association of Directors of Children'sServices

2009: Appointed children's commissioner for England