Meet the new Commissioner
Find out more about new Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies and her plans and priorities to deliver lasting positive change for older people across Wales.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background…
I’m proud to be Welsh, I was born and educated in Wales, and I’m a fluent Welsh speaker.
My career to date has been varied, from a police officer to leading and developing services in the voluntary sector and being Wales’ first National Adviser on Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
In recent years, I’ve worked closely with the public and third sectors to improve responses to domestic abuse and sexual violence. My work is rooted in listening to people’s experiences, making the case for change, and collaborating to drive better policy and practice.
A significant part of my work has been centred on the experiences of older people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. This has given me an enhanced understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by older people, their interactions with services, what worked well and what is needed to feel safe and to live and age well.
My work has enabled me to build strong relationships across Wales and I look forward to further strengthening these connections, as well as using my practice-based experience, policy insight, and leadership skills, to deliver positive change for older people in Wales as Commissioner.
What made you want to take on the role of Commissioner?
The role of the Commissioner is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of older people, both now and for the future. I’m excited by the chance to enable meaningful change and to ensure that older people’s voices are heard. I’m motivated by a sense of purpose, and this role aligns perfectly with my values of fairness and equality.
There’s already positive and progressive work being done in Wales, and I’m eager to build on this foundation to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live and age well. The role of the Commissioner offers a strong, influential platform to drive this vision forward and I feel privileged to have this opportunity.
What are you looking forward to most about the role?
What I’m looking forward to most about the role is the opportunity to meet and speak directly with older people from across Wales and listen to their experiences and concerns. Understanding what’s important in their day-to-day lives is something I’m passionate about, as it offers invaluable insight into how different issues impact upon older people. I’m also looking forward to hearing older people’s views on what works well, and how things could be improved.
I’m particularly excited about the diversity of individuals I’ll meet, each with their own unique experiences and perspectives. By listening and learning from people’s experiences, I’m look forward to contributing to meaningful, positive change that will directly improve the quality of life for older people in Wales.
What do you think will be the most challenging parts of the role?
I believe one of the most challenging parts of the role will be reaching older people who are in the greatest need of support. These individuals are often the least likely to have access to the resources or means of contacting me and are at the highest risk of having their voices go unheard and their rights unprotected. As Commissioner, it is my role to ensure that these voices are heard and if we can successfully reach those most in need, it will enable us to better address the needs and protect the rights of the wider population of older people across Wales.
Another challenging element of the role will be significantly shifting cultural norms and stereotypes around how older people are perceived, portrayed and treated in society. Ageism and age discrimination are deeply ingrained, and changing these perceptions is essential to ensuring older people are valued and respected.
With the population of older people increasing, working collaboratively to plan and meet the growing demand for services and ensuring that we all have the opportunities to live and age well will be a significant but essential challenge.
Whilst I do not underestimate the gravity of these issues, I will, from the outset of my term as Commissioner be a strong voice for older people, ensuring that their experiences and concerns are brought directly to decision and policymakers.
What issues affecting older people are you currently most concerned about?
The UK Government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments is the issue that concerns me most right now. Coupled with the ongoing effects of the cost of living crisis and rising energy costs, many older people are facing the difficult choice between heating their homes or eating, which can have serious consequences for their physical and mental health and well-being.
Another area of concern is digital exclusion, which limits many older people from accessing vital services and information, leaving them increasingly isolated.
Access to timely and appropriate health and social care services is also a major concern, as delays or inadequate services can have a direct impact on older people’s quality of life.
In light of my career to date, it will not be a surprise that I continue to be concerned about the scale and prevalence of abuse experienced by older people.
Ageism and age discrimination further compound these challenges, as older people often face prejudice and discrimination in their daily lives. Access to suitable transport and housing also plays a critical role in ensuring that older people can remain independent, but many older people also face barriers in these areas.
These areas of concern are resulting in multiple disadvantages for older people making it increasingly difficult to access the vital services and support they need and addressing these interconnected issues is crucial to improving the lives of older people.
What will your work as Commissioner be focused on?
In my role as Commissioner, my primary focus will be on listening to older people, to understand the factors that contribute to their well-being and the concerns they have. By engaging directly with older people, I can ensure that their voices are heard by those who make decisions that impact upon our day to day lives. I will work tirelessly to be a strong, independent champion for older people, ensuring their lived experiences and challenges are communicated directly to policy- and decision-makers.
Being visible and accessible is key to my role, which is why I’m committed to going to the places where older people live, work, learn, and socialise. To ensure their voices shape my priorities as Commissioner, I will soon be launching a large-scale consultation to hear directly from older people about what matters most to them.
In addition to standing up and speaking out for older people across Wales, I will collaborate closely with public bodies to promote best practices and support meaningful changes that can positively impact older people’s lives. This includes identifying areas where improvements can be made and facilitating solutions that enhance their overall quality of life.
Moreover, I will rigorously scrutinise policies and practices that affect older individuals, holding organisations and individuals accountable when necessary. My aim will always be to ensure that any changes lead to the best possible outcomes for older people, ensuring their dignity, independence, and quality of life are prioritised in all aspects of policy making and service delivery.
How can older people get in touch with you?
Older people can get in touch with me in several ways. You can reach me through the Advice and Assistance Line or you can phone, write or send an email. Additionally, please come and talk to me in person during my consultation and engagement activities across Wales, where I look forward to meeting and speaking with you.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love being outdoors and can usually be found walking the family dog, no matter the weather! Wales has so many fantastic places and I particularly enjoy exploring the coastal path, our national parks, mountains, woodlands, and waterways. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, and our gatherings almost always revolve around food!
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people…
In 2023, I went back to playing hockey after a 20-year break. It’s great being part of a team with players of all ages and having fun whilst being active.