The Children’s Commissioner for Wales has officially opened a new office in Swansea as part of a wider commitment to becoming more visible, accessible and connected to children and young people across Wales. [October 2026]
Located in Swansea city centre, the new office was formally opened at a special event attended by Susan A Jones MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, alongside local stakeholders, elected representatives and organisations working with children and young people.
The new base marks an important milestone in the delivery of the Commissioner’s new three-year strategy, which includes a strong focus on increasing awareness of the Children’s Commissioner amongst children and young people and strengthening relationships with communities across Wales.
The Swansea office will support the organisation’s growing outreach and engagement work, helping build stronger connections with children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including care-experienced children, disabled children, children from minority ethnic communities and children experiencing poverty and deprivation.
Bringing the Commissioner Closer to Children and Young People
Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes MBE, said:
“The Children’s Commissioner can only make a difference if children and young people know we are here for them.
This new office is about bringing us closer to the children, young people and communities we serve. We want more children to know who we are, what their rights are, and where they can turn if they need support.
Our ambition is to be more visible, more accessible and more connected to the lives of children and young people across Wales.”
Supporting Communities Across Wales
The new office forms part of broader plans to strengthen the Commissioner’s presence across Wales. While the Swansea office will act as a hub for engagement activity in South West Wales, work will continue in communities across Mid Wales and North Wales through an expanding outreach and engagement programme. An additional base in Cardiff Bay has also been established to support this work.
Last year, the Commissioner’s Advice and Assistance Service supported more than 600 children, young people, parents and carers on issues affecting children’s rights and wellbeing. The organisation also works directly with Welsh Government, public bodies and decision-makers to ensure children’s voices and experiences help shape policy and practice.
A Warm Welcome from Local Supporters
Gwyn Williams MS welcomed the opening of the new office, saying:
“I am delighted that the Children’s Commissioner for Wales has opened a new office in Swansea. Rocio leads vitally important work on behalf of children and young people across Wales, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her and her team to promote that work and improve outcomes for children and young people in Swansea and beyond.”
Susan A Jones MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, added:
“It was a privilege to help officially open the Children’s Commissioner for Wales’ new Swansea office. The Commissioner’s commitment to becoming more visible and accessible is an important step forward. This new office will help ensure more children and young people are aware of their rights, the support available to them, and where they can turn when they need help.”
Looking Ahead
Speaking at the launch event, Rocio highlighted that increasing the organisation’s impact is about more than buildings alone. Alongside the new office, the Commissioner has invested in new outreach and engagement roles designed to strengthen relationships with children, young people and community organisations across Wales.
Guests attending the launch also had the opportunity to learn more about the Commissioner’s work, including the Advice and Assistance Service, participation and engagement activities, and efforts to influence policy and public services on behalf of children and young people.
As the organisation continues to grow its presence in communities across Wales, the new Swansea office represents an important step towards ensuring that more children know their rights, know where to turn for help, and know that their voices matter.