Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament today launched a new Participation Charter setting out ten practical principles to strengthen the voice and influence of older people in public policy and public life
Supported by Community Foundation Ireland, the Charter was developed through the Strengthening the Voice of Older People in Ireland project. It was informed by a National Consultation that received 764 responses from people aged 60 and over, alongside a dedicated Research & Evidence Base.
The consultation highlighted the importance of being listened to respectfully, receiving feedback on how views were used, having accessible opportunities to contribute and seeing visible outcomes from participation.
The Charter calls for participation to be meaningful, inclusive and accessible; to begin early; to value lived experience as evidence; to influence decisions; and to lead to feedback and visible outcomes. It also emphasises collaboration, accountable representation, sustained participation and civic engagement, rights and dignity.
“Older people bring knowledge, experience and insight that should help shape the policies and services affecting their lives. This Charter provides a practical way for organisations to move beyond one-off consultation and create participation that is meaningful, accessible and influential.”
Camille Loftus, Head of Advocacy & Public Affairs, Age Action
“Older people want to know that their contribution matters and that their voices lead to visible outcomes. We invite decision-makers, public bodies and organisations across Ireland to use these ten principles in their everyday practice.”
Pat Mellon, CEO, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament
The Participation Charter is a collaboration between Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, supported by Community Foundation Ireland. The National Consultation took place in 2025 and received 764 responses.
To Explore the Participation Charter online, read a full summary and download the Participation Charter, Charter Summary and Research & Evidence Base go to:
https://www.mosaicsocialimpact.ie/participation-charter
