Y Pwyllgor Materion Cyfansoddiadol a Deddfwriaethol

Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee

Dr Mike Shooter CBE

Children’s Commissioner for Wales

Room 2.113

Crown Buildings

Cathays Park

Cardiff

CF10 3NQ

12 November 2014

Dear Dr Shooter

Review of the Role and Functions of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales

Thank you for your letter dated 23 July. 

Our interest in this issue would focus specifically on accountability and governance and in particular the process of appointment. 

In our view there are three possible approaches to the appointment of a commissioner:

- appointment by the National Assembly; 

- appointment by the Welsh Government;

- appointment proposed by the Welsh Government and endorsed by the National Assembly.

We do not believe that we are in a position to give a considered opinion on what approach should be followed for the appointment of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales; in any event, we would not wish to do so without consulting more widely with stakeholders and also considering the position in respect of other commissioners in Wales. In addition, of course, any changes to the existing arrangements would require legislation.

In the event that we decide to look at the issue of commissioner appointments in the future, we will ensure that the Children’s Commissioner is consulted as part of any work we undertake.

Yours sincerely

David Melding AM

Chair