Children’s Commissioner to be paid £100,000

Saturday 29 July 2017

Jersey’s States have begun the search for a Children’s Commissioner – one of the major recommendations of the recently published Independent Jersey Care Inquiry into historic child abuse.

The job is described as “high profile” with a “significant media and public profile”.

It is also advertised as a “unique post that is intended to influence widespread positive change for children and young people in Jersey, transforming understanding and acceptance throughout the community of the importance of children’s rights.”

The job is initially for three years, although, subject to evidence of effective performance, the candidate could see their term extended up to a maximum of nine years. The post has a pay packet of £100,000.

The closing date for candidates is Thursday 31 August 2017. A shortlist will then be drawn up and interviews conducted. The appointment will be made by the Chief Minister, after reporting to the Assembly on the recommendation of the selection panel. It’s expected the successful candidate will start before the end of the year.

The job description stresses the role is likely to evolve, first of all assisting in bringing forward legislation to the States Assembly that would confirm the functions and powers of the Commissioner in legislation, and that although initially having a Jersey focus there may be scope to create a wider Channel Islands focus in the future.