Agenda item

To consider the report

-       To accept the report with thanks to the Welsh Language Officers for their work during this time

-       To write a letter to the Welsh Language Commissioner expressing concern that it is not always possible for Gwynedd Council staff to contribute in Welsh in virtual meetings arranged by outside organisations as they do not provide simultaneous translation service provision for virtual meetings.

-       To write a letter to Microsoft encouraging them to provide simultaneous translation via Teams

-       To receive an update on the work of the National Sub-group which discusses information technology issues at the next meeting.

Submitted - a report by the Senior Language and Scrutiny Advisor summarising the opportunities and challenges that various departments have faced in relation to continuing to implement the language policy due to Covid 19. An update was also provided on various projects that had been delivered despite the situation, in order to promote and increase the use of Welsh in Gwynedd.

It was reported that, in general, everyone noted that the virus had not affected their ability to provide Welsh-medium services, as they had adapted their methods of service provision, and had continued to offer Welsh language services. However, some noted that there was a possibility of missing the informal opportunities to converse in Welsh in the office, on the corridor or in the kitchen, particularly those who did not have an opportunity to speak much Welsh outside the workplace. In response, it was noted that the Welsh Buddy Scheme offered those informal opportunities for Welsh learners to maintain their momentum while working from home as well as additional sessions of on-line training which had been positive.

It was explained that one concern highlighted in the survey was that it was not always possible for staff to contribute in Welsh in external virtual meetings that had been organised by other organisations as they did not use technology that enabled the easy use of simultaneous translation services. It was noted that not all external organisations currently provided a simultaneous translation service for virtual meetings, and some were unwilling to use Zoom due to security concerns.

During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·         That public bodies in Wales were required to provide a Translation service at meetings - that provision was available to do so - and that the Language Commissioner's attention should be drawn to the problem.

·         A suggestion to hold a quiz to promote opportunities to practise speaking Welsh

·         It would be beneficial to receive information about the number who had attended / contributed to on-line events.

·         Put pressure on Microsoft and campaign to include a simultaneous translation resource on Teams (which was favoured by other Councils)

·         Welsh was developing as a contemporary, modern medium in technology and used among young people - needed to take advantage of this

·         Needed assurance that the 'Track and Trace' service was available in Welsh

In response to the observations, it was noted that the Language Commissioner was aware of the obstacles regarding providing simultaneous translation at meetings. It was noted that a national sub-group had been set up to seek solutions. It was also noted that Gwynedd Council was sharing good practice with Councils and Partnerships to improve the provision if they were not allowed to use Zoom. It was proposed that an update be given on the work of the sub-group at the next meeting.

In response to maintaining momentum with Welsh lessons, it was noted that a 'Cymraeg i Gefnogi' scheme had been established which was very successful.

In response to a question regarding the Arfor county projects and the Government continuing to commit to the scheme, it was reported that the last few months had been a very busy period for the scheme with the projects adapting to accommodate the situation. It was reported that there would be no further commitment from the Government and the Councils would take ownership. It was suggested that an update on the situation be presented at the next meeting.

A vote of thanks was given for the report and to the staff for adapting the provision very effectively over the period.

RESOLVED:

¾     To accept the report with thanks to the Welsh Language Officers for their work during this time

¾     To write a letter to the Welsh Language Commissioner expressing concern that it is not always possible for Gwynedd Council staff to contribute in Welsh in virtual meetings arranged by outside organisations as they do not provide simultaneous translation service for virtual meetings.

¾     To write a letter to Microsoft encouraging them to provide simultaneous translation via Teams

¾     To receive an update on the work of the National Sub-group which discusses information technology issues at the next meeting.