Commissioner’s Work Programme 2025-26

As the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, my vision is a Wales that leads the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality and enabling everyone to live and age well.

Through my engagement with older people, and the issues and concerns they have raised with me, I have identified four key national outcomes that need to be delivered to make this vision a reality, ensuring that older people:

• Can access the information, services and support they need;
• Feel safe in their homes, communities and relationships;
• Are treated fairly and their contribution is recognised; and
• Can make their voices heard and have choice and control over their lives.

These outcomes provide a framework for the action that must be taken by public bodies and services across Wales to respond to the range of challenges and barriers faced by older people and deliver the improvements older people want and need to see.

They also underpin my 2025-28 Strategy, which sets out my strategic objectives over the next three years, as well as this work programme, which details the specific action I will take during the next 12 months to deliver positive change.

This work programme has the voices of older people from across Wales at its heart, shaped by hearing directly from older people at engagement events and through my ‘Have Your Say’ Consultation, which hundreds of individuals responded to.

I have published a summary of the responses to my consultation which highlights a range of issues affecting older people’s lives and the extent to which many individuals feel excluded or left behind due to their age. The report makes for difficult reading in parts but demonstrates why the action I will take forward through my work programme, as well as the wider action I am calling for from public bodies and services is so critical.

Continuing to engage directly with older people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities will remain a key focus for me as Commissioner, providing valuable insights that will support the delivery of my work programme and enable me to quickly and effectively respond to emerging issues and concerns. I will also draw upon information and experiences shared through my Advice and Assistance Service, which provides help and support to hundreds of older people every year.

Through my work programme, I will take forward a range of action that will make a positive and meaningful difference to the lives of older people across Wales but delivering all of the change required is not something I can do alone.

That’s why it’s important we work together to create a Wales where every older person is valued, included and supported to live with dignity and independence, a society where growing older is something to be celebrated – a Wales that leads the way for older people.

Rhian Bowen-Davies // Older People’s Commissioner for Wales