Commissioner publishes her Corporate Plan 2025–2029

“Listening to older people has been central to shaping my priorities as Commissioner. What I heard was consistent, powerful and often deeply concerning, but it also made clear where change is most urgently needed and where I need to focus my attention.” 

Siobhan Casey, Commissioner for Older People

1. Advocate for change to support people to age well

Older people told the Commissioner that too many systems and services are not designed with ageing in mind. 

Under this priority, the Commissioner will advocate for change in areas that are fundamental to ageing well, including: 

• health and social care 

• housing and the built environment 

• transport and mobility 

• community infrastructure and planning 

• access to information, advice and support 

The Commissioner will use evidence, engagement and scrutiny to influence policy and decision-making, highlighting where current approaches are failing older people and where improvement is needed to support independence, dignity and quality of life. 

2. Empower older people to have choice and control in their lives

A strong theme throughout the engagement was the importance of being listened to and respected. 

Under this priority, the Commissioner will focus on ensuring that older people: 

• understand their rights and entitlements 

• can access clear information and advocacy when they need it 

• are supported to make decisions about their own lives 

• are protected from harm, abuse and neglect 

3. Change how we all think, feel and act towards older people and ageing

The Commissioner heard clearly that negative attitudes towards ageing continue to shape older people’s experiences, from everyday interactions to policy and service design. 

Under this priority, the Commissioner will work to: 

• challenge ageism and discrimination wherever it occurs 

• promote positive, realistic and diverse representations of ageing 

• advocate for stronger protections for older people 

• encourage a culture that recognises and values older people’s contributions 

Changing attitudes is central to creating a society in which older people are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. 

The Corporate Plan sets the overall direction for the Commissioner’s work. It will be delivered through: 

• annual business plans that set out specific actions and priorities 

• ongoing engagement with older people to ensure their voices continue to shape the work 

• research and evidence gathering to inform advocacy and scrutiny 

• collaboration with partners across government, the community and voluntary sectors 

As the Commissioner notes in her foreword, the plan is designed to be purposeful and practical focused on where her office can make the greatest difference for older people.