The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales was established by the Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Act 2006. The Commissioner has four general statutory functions:
• To promote awareness of the interests of older people in Wales and of the need to safeguard those interests;
• To promote the provision of opportunities for, and the elimination of discrimination against, older people in Wales;
• To encourage best practice in the treatment of older people in Wales; and
• To keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the law affecting older people in Wales.
The Commissioner’s Framework for Action explains that in practice the Commissioner is an independent voice and champion for older people across Wales, standing up and speaking out on their behalf. She works to ensure that those who are vulnerable and at risk are kept safe and ensures that all older people have a voice that is heard, that they have choice and control, that they don’t feel isolated or discriminated against and that they receive the support and service they need. The Commissioner’s work is driven by what older people say matters most to them and their voices are at the heart of all that she does.
Further supplementary information providing some background to the Commissioner’s role is available on the Commissioner’s website www.olderpeoplewales.com.