Nigel Williams was settling into his new job today as Northern Ireland's first Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Mr Williams will have the widest range of powers of any Commissioner for Children in the world with his role including reviewing policy, legislation and services for children and young people, assisting them bring complaints, conducting investigations, taking or assisting with legal proceedings, raising awareness about children's rights and promoting best practice.

Commenting on his new post, he said: "My priorities are to listen to children and young people's concerns and needs and draw up a plan of action. My first few months though, will be focused on building an effective staff team and establishing the office so that the Commissioner can really make a difference for all the children and young people in Northern Ireland."

Welcoming Mr Williams on his first day, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy said: "We can take pride in the fact that Northern Ireland can now be held up as a model for best practice and a world-leader in this important area. I wish Mr Williams well in his new position and look forward to a new era for children and young people in Northern Ireland."

Sinn Féin Children’s Spokesperson, Sue Ramsey also welcomed Mr Williams to his post, as well as his plans to undertake a review of the state of children's rights and welfare in the province.

“Taking a holistic view of children’s rights and welfare and setting a high standard for the promotion and protection of children’s rights and welfare show that Mr Williams has listened not just the local debate but also the international debate.

“I look forward to working with Mr Williams, particularly given this impressive first day on the job," she said.

Born in Devon, Mr Williams lived in Limavady until the age of 12, when he then moved with his family to Portadown. He attended Portadown College before finished his formal education with a degree in Geography from Cambridge University.

(MB)