Committee publication · Correspondence · 23 June 2026
Letter from Secretary of State for Education on Education on Recruitment of the Children's Commissioner dated 15.06.26
From: Education Committee
Summary
Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson notifies the Education Committee of plans to recruit a new Children's Commissioner for England, following Dame Rachel De Souza's departure on 28 February 2027. She proposes advertising the Public Appointment role in July 2026 and offers the Committee scrutiny rights including a pre-appointment hearing in November.
Key findings
- Dame Rachel De Souza's tenure as Children's Commissioner ends 28 February 2027, triggering recruitment for her successor
- Role to be advertised in July 2026 for four weeks to ensure appointment before tenure end date
- Secretary of State invites Committee to scrutinise shortlist and conduct pre-appointment hearing, expected November 2026
- Role specification, advertising strategy, and recruitment timeline enclosed with letter
Tone
ProceduralTopics
public-appointmentschildren-and-young-peopleparliamentary-scrutiny
Key actors
Bridget Phillipson, Dame Rachel De Souza, Department for Education, Education Committee
Notable line
“I look forward to the Committee's involvement in appointing the new Commissioner to this highly important …”
Key Quotes
“I would like the post to be advertised as soon as possible and ideally in July for a period of four weeks.”
“This is essential to ensure that an appointment is made in advance of Dame Rachel De Souza 's tenure ending.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗