Who works here
- We have a team of people who work together.
- They help children, young people and families.
They:
- Give advice
- Share information
- Talk to the public
- Work to improve services
- Make sure that any new laws and decisions take children’s lives and views into account
Tara Murphy
Head of Office
Tara leads the operational and strategic delivery of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, ensuring the organisation can effectively promote and protect the rights of children and young people in Jersey. She works closely with the Commissioner to oversee governance, business planning and policy development, supporting the office in carrying out its statutory functions and maintaining strong relationships with government, stakeholders and the community.
Tara has extensive experience in public policy and the Jersey public sector. Before becoming Head of Office, she worked as Policy Lead within the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and previously held several senior policy roles in the Government of Jersey. Earlier in her career she worked in policy and research roles with organisations including Westminster City Council and Carnegie UK Trust.
Andy Harris
Senior Policy Officer
Andy’s role is to support the team by managing the policy section of the OCCJ which monitors Government policies and legislation to ensure they are being developed in line with the UNCRC and relevant human rights treaties. He also provides analysis of policy and legislation and assists the Commissioner in undertaking work and reviews in respect of the key aims of the OCCJ’s Strategic Plan 2024–2027.
Andy has worked in the States Greffe across the Scrutiny function, working directly with States Members, examining policy and legislation and assisting them in developing reports and recommendations for improvements. This included working with the Review Panel scrutinising the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry. Prior to this, he worked in the Jersey Youth Service as a Senior Youth Worker at both Trinity and Maufant Youth Projects.
Emily Genee
Policy Officer
Emily’s role as Policy Officer means she is responsible for developing evidence-based policy that strengthens and protects children’s rights across Jersey. This involves analysing local and international research and data, monitoring emerging issues that affect children and young people, and translating complex evidence into clear, practical recommendations to ensure that children’s rights are upheld.
Emily previously worked in the Government Justice Policy team, where she played a role in delivering the recommendations made from the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce Report. Before that, she completed a Master’s degree in Applied Management of Offending Behaviour at Edge Hill University.
Anna Peters
Participation and Engagement Officer
Anna leads on participation and stakeholder engagement, focusing on meaningful involvement of children and young people. Her role centres on listening to their views and ensuring their voices shape policy, strategy and decisionmaking. A key part of this work includes managing the OCCJ’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG), one of the main ways children and young people directly influence the organisation’s priorities. Anna also plays an important role in raising awareness of children’s rights across the community.
With over 15 years’ experience supporting and working with young people, Anna previously spent more than a decade with the Jersey Youth Service, running a wide range of youth projects and programmes. Before that, she worked as a mentor supporting young people into employment as well as starting in apprenticeships
Sam Le Quesne
Communications Manager
Sam leads communications for the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, helping to raise awareness of children’s rights and the work of the organisation. He develops and delivers communications strategies, campaigns and media engagement that inform the public, support stakeholders and ensure children’s voices are reflected in public debate. Sam also oversees content across digital and traditional media channels, working closely with colleagues to communicate the Commissioner’s priorities and initiatives.
Sam has extensive experience in communications, journalism and public affairs. Before joining the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, he worked in the Government of Jersey communications team, advising Ministers and senior officials on public engagement and media relations. He has also worked as a journalist and columnist for the Jersey Evening Post, as well as an editor and writer for a range of national and international publications.
Sally Johnson
Advice and Information Officer
Sally provides advice and support to children, young people and adults who contact the Office of the Children’s Commissioner. Her role focuses on listening to concerns, providing guidance and helping to resolve issues by signposting to appropriate services or advocating on behalf of children where necessary. Sally also works with colleagues to identify themes emerging from casework so that children’s experiences help inform the Commissioner’s policy, research and wider work.
Before joining the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, Sally worked in children’s residential care, supporting young people and safeguarding their wellbeing. Her experience of working directly with children and families helps ensure that the OCCJ’s Advice and information service remains accessible, responsive and focused on promoting and protecting children’s rights.
Tina Lagadu
Executive Assistant
Tina supports the team by providing a comprehensive, confidential administrative service to the Children’s Commissioner, acting as first point of contact for all enquiries.