Vaughan Gethin MS, First Minister
I am pleased to announce my decision to appoint Rhian Bowen-Davies as the next Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.
The recruitment process commenced in January 2024. A strong field of shortlisted candidates met with a stakeholder panel of older people and an interview panel chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice. My preferred candidate also attended a pre appointment hearing with the Equality and Social Justice Committee.
Rhian was Wales’ first National Adviser for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence and is currently recognised as an expert Chair of Domestic Homicide Reviews involving older people. Rhian has extensive experience of working across sectors to shape policy and drive forward improvement and I am confident she will be an influential champion and strong advocate for the rights of older people.
Wales was the first country in the world to appoint an Older People’s Commissioner in 2008 to safeguard and promote the interests of older people. Successive commissioners have taken a strong stance against ageism and age discrimination and I would like to extend my thanks to the current Commissioner, Heléna Herklots.
Helena’s work, particularly during the pandemic, has enabled the voices of the most marginalised older people to be heard and to influence policy and practice for the better. Heléna’s passion to create an age friendly Wales has drawn international recognition and I look forward to continuing this work with Rhian. Our shared vision is for an age friendly Wales that supports people of all ages to live and age well and where ageism does not limit potential or affect the quality of services older people receive.
Rhian Bowen-Davies said:
“It is an honour and a privilege to be offered the opportunity to serve as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. Working with and on behalf of older people I’m looking forward to making a contribution; increasing awareness and understanding, upholding and promoting rights and addressing inequality. Together we will ensure that our voices are heard at a local, regional and national level and that we support and progress Wales’ vision to become an age-friendly nation.”
Heléna Herklots will be finishing her term of office in August 2024.