Establishing the role of Older People’s Commissioner for Wales

The idea of an Older People’s Commissioner for Wales was first proposed in the Welsh Government’s second Strategy for Older People in 2003, following calls and campaigning from a range of older people’s groups and organisations for a role of this kind to be established.

Soon after, the Welsh Government established an Advisory Group, drawing on a wide range of expertise, to consider how a Commissioner might work in practice and how such a role would improve the lives of older people in Wales. The group reported that a Commissioner would play an important part in speaking up on behalf of older people and would also help to change attitudes held about older people so they are treated with respect and as individuals.

A consultation was launched in 2004 and, following supportive feedback from both organisations and individuals, action was taken to develop legislation that would establish the role of Older People’s Commissioner for Wales and provide a range of statutory powers to drive positive change for older people.

This work culminated in 2006 with the Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Act, paving the way for first Older People’s Commissioner in the world to be appointed by the First Minister in 2008.