Who is the new Children's Commissioner for England?
Image Source: Children’s Commission
This month marks the first official message from England’s new Children’s Commissioner as she starts her tenure in the role. Taking over from Anne Longfield, Dame Rachel de Souza was first announced as the proceeding Children’s Commissioner in December and has now started her role with a message detailing her hopes for the future, especially in regards to rebuilding after the Coronavirus pandemic.
Who is Dame Rachel de Souza?
Born in Scunthorpe in 1968, Rachel de Souza is an Oxford graduate who has spent her career focused on teaching. She started out as a teacher and then progressed to deputy head until rising to headship and eventually being appointed principal.
In 2012, de Souza co-founded the Inspiration Trust. This multi-academy trust started with a school in Great Yarmouth which, at the time of writing, has grown to include 14 schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. It was this that got her appointed for her place on the 2014 New Year Honours list for her services to education.
Subsequently, in 2020 she was nominated to take over the post of Children’s Commissioner for England and was successful, starting the role in March 2021.
What was Dame Rachel de Souza’s first message?
Released on the Children’s Commissioner website, de Souza’s opening message in her role looks to introduce herself and her goals whilst also reflecting on the challenging past year. She starts:
“As I begin my tenure as Children’s Commissioner, let me first say something about adulthood in 2021.
“Part of adulthood is having the right answers to big questions. Ultimately, that is what children expect of us – having answers to things. Some might not even be able to say it yet, but that’s what they expect. That’s what I liked about being a teacher – trying to get those answers right, and seeing the impact on children. It is so important for them.”
She then continues, explaining the challenges of the pandemic and saying “In 2021, the challenge is even greater. In terms of economic, social and cultural shocks – in terms of deaths – this is a post-war generation in all but name.”
Her message continues to highlight the importance she places on adults being there to pave a better future for children and reflecting on historic times when that has happened before.
Dame de Souza’s message is one of optimism and hope, for the final section of the talk she explains that she is ready (and eager) to learn from not only her predecessors but those who may have been overlooked in the past, such as those from minority and vulnerable groups as well as children who are experiencing disadvantages that aren’t currently considered.
Her final statement summarises her objective: “For adults, we know the history; we know this chance to remake our social settlement won’t come again for decades. Before each young person, full of questions, is an uncertain future. Before all of us, for better or worse, a new world and a new England. There isn’t a moment to lose.”
READ MORE: Calls for children to be prioritised post-COVID by Children’s Commissioner
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