Heléna Herklots role as Older People’s Commissioner extended

Heléna Herklots CBE will continue as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales for a further two years the Welsh Government has announced.

Following consultation with older people in Wales, the First Minister has agreed to extend Heléna Herklots position as Older People’s Commissioner for a further two years beginning on 20 August 2022.

Appointed in 2018 as the independent voice and champion for older people across Wales, she has worked to ensure the voices of older people are heard and helped to create positive changes that meet the needs of older people. 

The role of the Commissioner works to:

·        promote awareness of the rights and interests of older people in Wales

·        challenge discrimination against older people in Wales

·        encourage best practice in the treatment of older people in Wales

·        review the law affecting the interests of older people in Wales

The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said:

“I am very pleased that Heléna Herklots will continue as Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner Older people contribute so much to our communities and it is important their voices are heard. Heléna has worked hard to champion older people during her time in office and I look forward to continuing to engage with Heléna over the next two years as we work together to create an age friendly Wales.”

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE said:

“It is an honour to be the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales and I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve for a further two years.

I look forward to continuing to work with older people as their independent champion, and to build on the progress we have made together, as well as deal with the new challenges many older people are facing.

I greatly value the constructive working relationships I have with organisations and public bodies across Wales, and members of the Senedd and Welsh Government. Together we must strive to ensure that older people are valued, rights are upheld and no-one is left behind.”