User:SlaterBaker/Prof. Sir Al Aynsley Green

Sir Al started his career in medicine in London subsequently developing his speciality of paediatric endocrinology through extensive training and research in University hospitals both in Oxford and Switzerland. His academic career continued as a Clinical and then University Lecturer in Paediatrics and Fellow of Green College in Oxford. He was then as Professor of Child Health and also Head of the School of Clinical Medical Sciences at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne when he developed a deep interest in the circumstances of children in society, especially the influences of poverty and deprivation. He was invited to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Institute of Child Health in London as Nuffield Professor of Child Health and Board level Executive Director for Clinical R&D. There he developed further his personal clinical scientific research. Sir Al has been involved in the political arena of Children’s Services since 2000. He was appointed Chair of the first NHS Children’s Taskforce and then the first National Clinical Director for Children in government. He was appointed the first Children’s Commissioner for England in 2005. In these roles he has been influential in shaping government policy and it’s translation into practice at the front line as well as raising public awareness of the circumstances and value of children and young people in society today. His multifaceted career as a senior clinical academic scientist involved in institutional leadership and transformation coupled with his hands – on experiences of health and education service delivery, give a unique perspective on the political and practical dimensions of developing, shaping and implementing government policy and professional practice, particularly for children and young people. Sir Al is nationally and internationally recognised and respected as one of the most innovative authorities and inspirational experts on children’s services, child health and childhood today. Consequently he is in great demand to address conferences and other events around the world. From his substantial track record of achievement he is a gifted speaker and weaves together threads of science and the rigour of the academic approach for effective advocacy with aspects of the history of childhood.