Dame Rachel de Souza is confirmed as the next Children's Commissioner for England

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Published on 17/12/20

Dame Rachel de Souza has today been confirmed by the Secretary of State for Education as the next Children’s Commissioner for England. 

Dame Rachel attended a pre-appointment hearing with the Education Select Committee on Tuesday 15th December. She received a majority approval from the committee and was appointed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson today.

Dame Rachel de Souza, Chief Executive of Inspiration Trust, said:

“It is a great honour to be the next Children’s Commissioner for England. For many years I’ve been a passionate advocate for children and young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Inspiration Trust has done some fantastic work to support young people in Norfolk and north Suffolk, delivering an excellent education so that they can achieve their potential and flourish. As Children’s Commissioner I’m looking forward to standing up for children across England. 

 

“We all know just how difficult Covid-19 has been for children and families up and down the country, I am going to play my part in helping level up opportunities for children, and ensuring their welfare everywhere, as we come through this difficult time and look towards a more positive future.

 

“I’m going to miss leading the Inspiration Trust - we’ve achieved so many fantastic things. From turning Great Yarmouth Charter Academy around and developing a nationally-recognised curriculum to opening the first maths and science specialist sixth form. We’ve also faced a number of challenges, which we came together as a family of schools to overcome. I’m proud to have witnessed the community spirit of Norfolk and Suffolk - it’s a time in my life that I will truly treasure.”

David Tibble, Chair of Inspiration Trust said:


“We're incredibly proud that Dame Rachel has been appointed as the next Children’s Commissioner – in her time at the trust, she has been tireless in her work to help young people achieve, no matter what their background. 

 

“We have built a strong trust team and education is much improved in Norfolk as a result of her and the wider team’s efforts, and I have every confidence that she would apply the same rigour, verve and determination in the interests of every child across the country as the new Children’s Commissioner.

 

“We’ll now be looking for a new Chief Executive to lead the Inspiration Trust in this new chapter. In the meantime, the trust has a fantastic leadership team and we are putting the right processes in place to ensure the transition will be well-managed.”