THE new children's commissioner for Wales takes up her post today.

Prof Sally Holland joined from Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences, having taught social work and childhood studies.

She also founded the CASCADE Children's Social Care Research Centre.

The role of the Children’s Commissioner is to act as an independent champion for children and young people, advocating their interests and making sure their voices are heard at a local, national and international level.

Prof Holland is internationally acclaimed for enabling children and young people to represent their own views through active participation in her research. Her areas of expertise include children's rights, Welsh children’s views about citizenship and identity, looked after children, child protection and adoption.

She has also campaigned for, and researched, the needs and rights of children.

She said she was "delighted and honoured" to have been appointed to be the next Children’s Commissioner for Wales when it was announced in January.

She added she was "proud of Wales’ history of promoting children’s and young people’s rights and I will work hard to ensure that this continues and strengthens, building on the excellent work of the first two commissioners.

She said:“Children and young people face new opportunities and challenges in contemporary society. I will work with the children and young people of Wales to ensure that their rights are safeguarded and promoted.”