Issue - meetings

To present information about the Department’s contribution to the Language Policy.

To accept the report and note the observations received.

The report was presented by the Senior Business Manager, Adults, Health and Well-being Department and briefly drew attention to the following main points:

It was explained that technological systems were being updated to correspond to the needs of the County's residents. An example was shared of updated Telecare technology, linking individuals with call centres to receive support by pushing a button on a specific bracelet or pendant. It was noted that over 1500 people currently used this equipment in Gwynedd.

It was detailed that this service had been provided through the medium of English in the past, but the Department was eager to offer this provision in Welsh and in Gwynedd's local dialect. It was explained that the department was trying to secure this development by upgrading all the equipment to becoming digital by 2025, and to commission companies to assist with the development of the linguistic requirements.

It was reported that the ‘More than just Words' group had been established for a year, and was chaired by Cyngor Gwynedd's Statutory Director of Social Services. It was explained that the group set performance measures for the Department in order to receive confirmation that they reached their linguistic targets.

It was explained that searches were being carried out on the care service's digital system (WCCIS) to ascertain how many individuals wished to receive care through the medium of Welsh and how many social workers in the department were able to offer the service in Welsh. This would indicate whether the Department was meeting the requirements of residents who needed care. It was confirmed that the vast majority of social workers succeeded in providing the service in Welsh.

Members were reminded that services were offered to individuals in Welsh, and that staff provided the active offer. It was noted that patients needed to request care through the medium of English if they wished to do so. It was confirmed that the Department would remind the workers of this arrangement.

Members were given an opportunity to ask questions and offer observations. In response to the question, it was explained that the Department was collaborating with a number of external agencies and bodies and that all efforts were being made to ensure that the Welsh language was a priority for all the partners in addition to the provision of care to individuals in the language in which they were most comfortable.

Gratitude was expressed for the report.

RESOLVED

To accept the report and note the observations received.