Agenda item

To receive a verbal overview on how the Service will continue to prioritise the Welsh Language

A verbal report was given by the Byw'n Iach Managing Director on the work that has been carried out by the company to protect the Welsh language as Council departments are externalised. It was explained that Byw'n Iach had been established in April 2019 as a company limited by guarantee under the management of Gwynedd Council, acting on behalf of the Council to manage the Leisure Centres of the County and provide a range of Sport, Health and Fitness services. As part of the agreement, it was noted that responsibility for the language had been included, and that collaboration with the Language Development Officers had ensured that the transfer process had been formalised.

It was reported that 250 staff members had transferred, and that the initial response had been positive, with praise for the staff's attitude towards change. A soft launch was held for the transfer, as there were no obvious changes to customer services. It was highlighted that the intention was to create a culture of ownership for all staff.

In the context of language, it was reported that the company had created a Language policy that was equivalent to Gwynedd Council's policy, which was relevant and practical to the Leisure field. It was emphasised that some of the policy objectives had remained the same but with additional clauses to create an influence within the Leisure sector. It was noted that work was being done to develop the workplace, with an intention of creating specialist jobs to undertake particular duties. It was reiterated that the language specifications in job descriptions had been challenged to be ambitious in mapping the need, and that a skills assessment had been completed as a foundation to prioritise a work programme for the teams.

The Council's Welsh Language Learning and Development Officer reiterated that every member of staff in the Leisure service who had received training was being assessed, and that the staff member and manager was ensuring that training took root. It was expressed that the initial feedback of the staff had been positive, and their efforts and willingness to respond to the challenge were commended.

Gratitude was expressed for the information.

In response to an observation regarding the use of Welsh language music in fitness classes, it was noted that the music had been prepared by particular companies, and it was music without lyrics that was to be played. It would be difficult to create a Byw'n Iach resource, however it was accepted that the observation could be considered.

In response to an observation regarding developing a career path, the intention to create specific jobs which would offer expertise in appropriate fields was highlighted. Training and support would be delivered, with the intention of creating more variety and opportunities for staff to develop. The need to invest in staff in order to ensure development was noted, along with the need to eliminate the idea that only casual jobs were being offered in the Leisure field.

In response to an observation with regard to considering a scheme to share profits with the staff, it was noted that this was not currently possible, but it was a plan that could be considered for the future. It was reiterated that Flintshire Council had adopted such a scheme, but that Byw'n Iach had adopted an internal agreement with Gwynedd Council

In response to an observation regarding potential conflict between moving towards specialist staff and seeking staff that were confident in Welsh, it was emphasised that staff already employed were likely to be able to supply the specialist need. It was reiterated that there was an intention to make use of champions within centres to lead on specific fields, including the Welsh language. Continuous support will be given by the Language Unit and the Learning and Development Unit to support the expectations.

Observations from the discussion:

-       That a language target needed to be incorporated into the Business Plan sheet (summary)

-       That the English ethos amongst staff needed to be eliminated - needed to promote the staff to use Welsh when conversing

-       That partners / colleges needed to be targeted to better prepare individuals for jobs in the leisure sector

-       Encourage the company to advertise in local papers

-       It was worth contacting Education Area Officers

RESOLVED to accept the information.