Rachel de Souza, chief executive of the Inspiration Trust.
- Credit: Tom Barnes
The chief executive of a Norfolk academy trust is set to step down after being appointed children’s commissioner for England.
Dame Rachel de Souza, the chief executive of the Inspiration Trust which runs 14 schools across Norfolk and Suffolk, was appointed to the national role by education secretary Gavin Williamson.
She replaces the current children’s commissioner for England, Anne Longfield OBE, who has held the post since 2015.
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, one of 14 Inspiration Trust schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.
- Credit: David Hannant
The role is to promote and protect the rights of children with a particular focus on those with difficulties or challenges, such as those living away from home, in care, or receiving social services help.