Rhian Bowen-Davies, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Rhian began her career as a police officer, before taking on senior leadership roles in the third sector, including Chief Executive of Calan DVS, where she won several national awards in recognition of outstanding leadership.
Rhian was appointed Wales’ first National Adviser for tackling Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence in 2015, independently advising, shaping and informing legislative, strategy and policy developments and driving forward improvements in the prevention, protection and support for all individuals affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Before taking up post as Commissioner, Rhian was recognised as an expert Chair of Domestic Homicide Reviews involving older people, and also worked closely with public bodies and third sector organisations across Wales as an independent consultant, delivering a wide range of research and projects on their behalf to improve policy and practice.
As Commissioner, Rhian is keen to reach out to and hear directly from older people in all types of communities across Wales, particularly those whose voices often go unheard, which will help ensure that older people’s needs are addressed more effectively and their rights are protected.