Heléna Herklots CBE, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Heléna is the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales – an independent statutory role established in law to protect and promote older people’s rights. She took up post in 2018 after over 30 years working on ageing and older people’s issues. Starting her career working directly with older people and their families in day centres and care homes, she has influenced public policy, campaigned for change and developed and provided support services for older people.
Prior to her appointment as Older People’s Commissioner, Heléna was Chief Executive of Carers UK, the national membership charity for unpaid carers. Experience before that includes as Services Director at Age UK, and Head of Policy at Age Concern England.
Heléna has led and contributed to a number of UK Government advisory groups covering topics including care and support, housing, dementia and carers. She is Chair of the Industrial Strategy Healthy Ageing Challenge Advisory Group, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
In 2017 Heléna was awarded a CBE for services to carers, and in 2022 was recognised as one of the Healthy Ageing 50 – 50 leaders working to transform the world to be a better place in which to grow older.