About SCCYP

Tam Baillie, Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People

Tam Baillie became Scotland's second Commissioner in May 2009, after a selection process which included him being interviewed by children and young people. Although Tam was nominated by the Scottish Parliament for appointment by the Queen, he is independent of both Parliament and the Scottish Government. Tam was appointed for a period of two years, with the possibility of a further one year period.

What's happening now?
Tam and his team are currently planning an ambitious and exciting consultation with children and young people in 2010. As part of this, workshops to explain more about United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child have been created and it is hoped that teachers and workers will use these as the basis for informed discussion about rights with children and young people. The consultation will culminate in a national vote and the results will help Tam shape his office's policy priorities.

Tam is also committed to continuing the work of the office on issues which include children and young people in care, and the children of prisoners.

What did Tam do before?
Tam has worked as a manager and practitioner with children and young people for 30 years, primarily with young offenders; young people in and leaving care; and young homeless people. Working in Scotland and England and in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, Tam moved into the policy field in order to help address the strategic and structural needs necessary to affect lasting change. He worked as the Director of Policy for Barnardo's from 2003 and has held the position of Chair of the Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights.

Get involved
If you would like any more information on getting involved in the national vote for children and young people please contact SCCYP on info@sccyp.org.uk or 0131 558 3733.