First Commissioner for Older People in Wales (UK)

Britain's first commissioner for older people tells Alexandra Topping how she intends to reach out to pensioners - and then 'politely, professionally and robustly' put their welfare at the top of the agenda
Is Ruth Marks charming? The question stops the first commissioner for older people in Wales, and Britain, in her tracks

Marks will have to use all her charm and perseverance with the Welsh assembly and in the media to have a real impact.
Sitting in the offices of the Royal National Institute of Blind People Cymru, in Cardiff, where she will remain as director until she takes up the reins in April, Marks insists that she does not want to be seen simply as the boss of a headline-grabbing talking shop. "I don't want to be a 'so-what'," she says. "I want to be relevant, open and transparent. This has to mean something to people."

Sitting in the offices of the Royal National Institute of Blind People Cymru, in Cardiff, where she will remain as director until she takes up the reins in April, Marks insists that she does not want to be seen simply as the boss of a headline-grabbing talking shop. "I don't want to be a 'so-what'," she says. "I want to be relevant, open and transparent. This has to mean something to people."

"We have given her a warm welcome," says Michael Phillips, spokesman for Age Concern Cymru. "There is a lot to be done to tackle poverty and discrimination, but it is a positive move. There is a danger of trying to do too much too soon, but she does need some early successes to inspire the rest of Wales and get people on her side."

Her aims are to tackle age discrimination; to challenge all public bodies in Wales to do better by older people; to ensure that older people are not abused or neglected; and that they are involved in the decisions that affect their lives. On specific policy, Marks is vague. "It would be wrong of me to set out my work programme now," she says. "I'll take up the post in April and will talk to older people all over Wales to see what they think my priorities should be."

In Wales, 22% of the population is over 60, a figure that is expected to rise to 29% in 20 years. In the same period, the proportion of over-85s may rise by a third. This growing and influential section of society has too often been overlooked and marginalised, says Marks. "We have to bust myths about older people and recognise the contribution they make to the economy and society at large."
Marks will have the power to "promote the rights and welfare of older people" and report on the status quo, but the Welsh assembly will be under no obligation to implement her recommendations. Without any legislative power, does she think setting up the commissioner role could be seen as a stunt? "Absolutely not. If I thought it was a stunt I wouldn't be doing it. Like first minister, Rhodri Morgan said, it would be very strange to appoint me if they weren't going to listen to what I said."

Abridged Article: The Guardian UK