As the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, I am an independent voice and champion for older people throughout Wales.

I’m taking action to protect older people’s rights, end ageism and age discrimination, stop the abuse of older people and enable everyone to age well.

I directly support older people across Wales through my Advice and Assistance team, and regularly hear from older people at engagement and listening events. This ensures that older people’s voices and experiences guide my work, and that these are heard and acted upon by policy- and decision-makers.

I influence policy and practice at both a national and community level, scrutinising the action and decisions made by government and public bodies alongside identifying and calling for action to tackle the issues we may face as we get older. I have a number of legal powers that underpin my role enabling me to hold public bodies to account when needed, as well as share and promote good practice.

I work closely with older people and in partnership with many different organisations and individuals across Wales. This way of working is fundamental to my approach as Commissioner, and particularly in these challenging times, it is only by working together and drawing on each other’s skills and experiences that we will make sustainable progress and impact.

Together we must work for a Wales where older people are valued, rights are upheld and no-one is left behind.

Helena Herklots CBE
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales