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UCL academic appointed first Children's Commissioner in England

17 March 2005

Professor Al Aynsley-Green of UCL's Institute of Child Health (ICH) has been appointed as the first Children's Commissioner in England.

Professor Aynsley-Green He will act as an independent voice for children and young people, to champion their interests and bring their concerns and views to the national arena.

Currently, Professor Aynsley-Green is the National Clinical Director for Children and Chair of the National Children's Taskforce at the Department Of Health, as well as Nuffield Professor of Child Health and Honorary Consultant Paediatrician at the ICH and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH).

Professor Aynsley-Green said: "The creation of a Children's Commissioner affirms the importance of children and young people and their central role in society. I am honoured to be taking up this position and look forward to working with children and young people, and organisations dedicated to them, to make sure that their opinions count. I will be drawing on my experience of working with children and young people to help ensure that those with the power to improve children's lives do live up to their responsibilities. I want all children and young people to know that they can approach me to discuss any matter that affects them, knowing that I will value their opinion. Children and young people have often been ignored in public life and I am dedicating my role to setting that straight."

As the lead author of a seminal article published in the British Medical Journal in 2000, Professor Aynsley-Green proposed the need for a proper recognition of the health needs of children as distinct from adults, and this is now being addressed through the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services, whose development Professor Aynsley-Green has led.

Professor Andrew Copp, Dean of the ICH, said: "As Nuffield Professor of Child Health, and previously as Director of Clinical Research and Development for 10 years, Al has contributed enormously to furthering academic child health at ICH and GOSH. His innovative work in encouraging the research training of both paediatricians and professions allied to children's medicine, has engendered a spirit of enthusiastic enquiry and moved the field towards evidence-based practice." 

To find out more about the ICH use the link below.


Link:
UCL Institute of Child Health