To consider the
report
Decision:
-
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.
Minutes:
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.
Supporting documents: