25 January 2011
This paragraph sets out a series of important duties which the Commissioner must perform. These include duties to:-
Promote an awareness of matters relating to the interests of older people and of the need to safeguard those interests ;
Keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the law and practice relating to the interests of older people;
Keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the services provided to older people by relevant authorities;
Promote the provision of opportunities for, and the elimination of discrimination against, older people;
Encourage best practice in the treatment of older people;
Promote positive attitudes towards older people and encourage participation by older people in public life;
Advise the Assembly, the Secretary of State and a relevant authority on matters concerning the interests of older people (this could cover any issue);
Take reasonable steps to make older people aware of the existence and functions of his/her office and its location;
Take reasonable steps to encourage older people to communicate with the Commissioner and his or her staff and to seek the views of older people; and
Make themselves or their staff available, as far as is practicable, at a place convenient for older people.