Appointment and tenure of Children's CommissionerE+W
7E+WIn Schedule 1 to the Children Act 2004, in paragraph 3 (appointment and tenure of office)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (2) for “, to such extent and in such manner as he thinks fit,” substitute “ take reasonable steps to ”,
(b)in sub-paragraph (4) for “five years” substitute “ six years ”, and
(c)in sub-paragraph (5) for “is eligible for reappointment once only” substitute “ is not eligible for reappointment ”.
8E+WIn Schedule 1 to the Children Act 2004, after paragraph 3 insert—
“Interim appointmentsE+W
3A(1)Where there is a vacancy in the office of Children's Commissioner, the Secretary of State may appoint a person as interim Children's Commissioner.
(2)Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, a person holds and vacates office as interim Children's Commissioner in accordance with the terms and conditions of the appointment as determined by the Secretary of State.
(3)An appointment as interim Children's Commissioner is for a term ending—
(a)with the appointment of a person as the Children's Commissioner under paragraph 3, or
(b)if sooner, at the end of the period of six months beginning with the date on which the appointment as interim Children's Commissioner was made.
(4)A person who has held office as interim Children's Commissioner—
(a)is eligible for reappointment, and
(b)is eligible for appointment as the Children's Commissioner.
(5)An interim Children's Commissioner may at any time resign by notice in writing to the Secretary of State.
(6)The Secretary of State may remove an interim Children's Commissioner from office if satisfied that the interim Commissioner has—
(a)become unfit or unable properly to discharge his or her functions; or
(b)behaved in a way that is not compatible with continuing in office.”