Highland pupils assist appointment of new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland

Two Caithness primary pupils are helping The Scottish Parliament in the appointment process of a new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland. The successful candidate will be nominated for appointment by Her Majesty The Queen.

Primary 7 pupils Lauren Wilson and Craig Gunn of Pennyland Primary School, Thurso are two of 20 young people who are gathering at the Scottish Parliament today ( 17 March 2009). Their task is to interact with candidates who have applied to be the next Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland and prepare a report for a selection panel who will formally interview the candidates on 23 March.

Paul Hagan Head Teacher at Pennyland Primary School said: “We are delighted and honoured that Lauren and Craig have been chosen to assist with the appointment of the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland.”

The Commissioner is a Crown appointment made on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament. The appointment process for the new Commissioner is administered by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.

The Commissioner’s role is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people up to the age of 18 years, and those up to 21 in certain circumstances. The Commissioner can also carry out investigations concerning any decisions or actions by service provides which have an effect generally on their rights, interests and view of children and young people.

The Queen appointed Kathleen Marshall as Scotland’s first Commissioner in April 2004 for a five year period.