Children’s Commissioner predicts radical change

Bruce Adamson

Speaking on the eve of today’s Scottish Parliament vote, Bruce Adamson told guests the convention would put children’s voices and lived experiences at the heart of decision making for the first time.

The importance of the convention in terms of education and ensuring a human rights response to the SQA grade allocation processes has recently been highlighted at Holyrood.

Mr Adamson said: ​”If it’s passed, I’m expecting really radical change. This is the first time we are going to have a strong legal framework for action on economic, social and cultural rights, with children’s voices and experiences at the heart of decision making, attached to funding decisions on things like education and health, standard of living, and support for families.

“This is going to radically change how we do things. The framework that is being provided by this legislation is going to be a real challenge to those in power and it’s going to require people to do things differently, that’s what we have seen in other countries. It’s going to require people to give up power, to give up budgets, it’s going to require system change.

“It’s not something to be scared of because it’s a positive thing. It links back to the work you all have been doing for the common good. It speaks to what Scotland wants to be.”

The Law and the Common Good Lecture, which was held for the first time last night, was launched after GCU secured funding from The Clark Foundation for Legal Education.