Commissioner launches formal review into effectiveness of advocacy support in Wales

Commissioner launches formal review into effectiveness of advocacy support in Wales

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is undertaking a formal review into independent advocacy, examining whether current arrangements are effective in ensuring older people can make their voices heard.

The review has a particular focus on the use of advocacy where there may be concerns about safeguarding, as older people without a voice in these situations often find themselves especially vulnerable.  

The Commissioner is gathering evidence and data from local authorities and health boards, as well as from the Welsh Government and Regional Safeguarding Boards, who all play a crucial role in the planning and delivery of independent advocacy support for older people. Under the scope of the review, these bodies have a legal duty to respond to the Commissioner, who has called for the information she requires by 16 October.

The review is looking at a range of key areas relating to the availability and accessibility of independent advocacy support, including how this is commissioned, delivered and monitored, as well as consistency of practice, practitioner awareness, training, and governance arrangements.

The Commissioner is undertaking her review in response to existing research which suggests that the offer and use of advocacy is currently given limited priority by practitioners. She has also identified a number of enquiries to her Advice and Assistance service where access to an independent advocate would have been beneficial to an older person or delivered better outcomes.

Hundreds of pieces of evidence will be scrutinised as part of the review, forming the basis of a report due to be published in the New Year that will set out the Commissioner’s findings.

Alongside her report, the Commissioner will publish a series of required actions, setting out the improvements needed and timescales for delivery, which the bodies subject to the review will have a duty to respond to.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“Independent advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that older people’s voices are heard in situations where they may be unable to speak up for themselves, particularly when an individual is vulnerable or where there are safeguarding concerns.

“But research, and evidence captured through my work, suggests that many older people do not have the access to advocacy they need, even in situations where this would have delivered better outcomes for them.

“That’s why I am reviewing key areas that impact upon the availability and accessibility of advocacy support, to understand how effective current arrangements are in supporting older people across Wales.”

The Commissioner’s review marks the second time she has used her legal powers to drive change on behalf of older people during the past 18 months, having already issued formal guidance on engagement and consultation to health boards and local authorities in 2025.²

The Commissioner added:  

“Given the importance of independent advocacy, I am undertaking this review using my statutory powers as Commissioner, which means public bodies have a duty to provide me with the evidence I require and respond to any recommendations I make alongside the publication of my findings.

“This will help to ensure that meaningful action is taken forward both locally and nationally to deliver the change and improvements needed so that older people can make themselves heard.”

ENDS