Former Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield to advise Lords committee probing child vulnerability crisis

The committee is conducting an inquiry to ask whether reforming public services can address the growing problem of child vulnerability. It will cover how public services support mothers and families during pregnancy and how children are supported in their early and school years.

Anne Longfield was Children’s Commissioner for six years until February this year and previously led a national children’s charity.

Baroness Armstrong, chair of the Public Services Committee, said:

“I’m delighted that Anne, a champion for the rights and wellbeing of children and families for many years, is bringing her experience and knowledge to our work.

“The number of vulnerable children invisible to public services has seen a significant and worrying increase since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our inquiry is looking at all the services that give vulnerable children vital support and Anne will play a huge part in helping us to influence and shape policies affecting those children and their families.”

Anne Longfield said:

“This is an extremely important inquiry into the role of public services in identifying and supporting vulnerable children who are too often invisible from view.

“I am delighted to be working with the committee as it considers how children and families are being supported and develops proposals and recommendations in response.”