Jobs
and skills
Children tell me that jobs are a top priority. They want to get on and do well. They want to work hard, and talk in terms not just of jobs, but careers – often civic-minded careers.
The Milburn Review sparked a national conversation about children not in education, employment or training.
I am worried about the link between absences and NEETs and have requested data from colleges on attendance. This builds on my work publishing college responses to my census – highlighting how colleges are supporting young people in their post-16 education
A good career provides foundational security, confidence, and independence. It offers pride in what you do and helps build a stable life. A good career also creates vital connections to community and gives a sense of direction and meaning.
Children’s Commissioner’s Youth Ambassador
December 2025
Latest Reports
My highlights
Care-leavers
As Children’s Commissioner, I have a statutory duty to provide advice, assistance, and representation to care leavers up to the age of 25, to ensure their rights are respected and they receive the services they are entitled to. I’ve made it a priority to listen to care leavers and reflect their experiences to policymakers and public services.
I am passionate about making sure that care leavers have the same opportunities as other young people.  One of the things I have been told is that it is often hard to navigate careers, so I created a practical guide to finding grants, funding, discounts, mentoring and career opportunities. I also released a handbook for higher education professionals supporting care experienced students created in collaboration with the young people on my Care Experienced Advisory Board.
