Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that the provisions of the Family Test are used as a guide in the appointment of a new Children's Commissioner for England.

The primary function of the Children’s Commissioner for England is promoting and protecting the rights of children in England and by extension of that, the Commissioner has a part to play in issues that affect families. This is a key role for protecting children’s rights, particularly the most vulnerable, and the recruitment of a new Commissioner is a priority for the government.

Whilst the Family Test is primarily a tool to prompt policymakers to consider potential impacts on family functioning and relationships in a more holistic way, various considerations will be taken into account as part of the appointment process of identifying the most appropriate person to take on the role of the new Children’s Commissioner, which is a Significant Public Appointment.