Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice and Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Social Services
We are very pleased to welcome Rocio Cifuentes as the new Children’s Commissioner for Wales and look forward to working with her during her seven-year term, which started on 20 April.
Ms Cifuentes brings a wealth of experience to this important role. As chief executive of EYST (Ethnic Youth Support Team) she led one of Wales’ leading organisations supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. She has extensive experience working with the Welsh Government, having served on several Ministerial advisory boards, including the Wales Race Forum Youth Advisory Board and Welsh Refugee Taskforce.
She brings strong leadership skills and impressive experience as an ambassador for children and young people to the role, which she will use to advocate for children and young people’s voices.
Ms Cifuentes was appointed following a rigorous cross-party recruitment process, which also involved children and young people. She will be Wales’ fourth children’s commissioner, taking over from Professor Sally Holland.
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales’ office is an independent human rights institution funded by the Welsh Government. The commissioner operates independently of Welsh Ministers, enabling her to exercise her statutory functions, including her powers to review the activities of the Welsh Government.
We welcome Ms Cifuentes as the new Commissioner and thank Professor Holland for her services to children and young people in Wales and wish her well in her future endeavours.