Agenda item

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

Derbyn yr adroddiad gan nodi’r sylwadau a dderbyniwyd. 

The report was presented by the Head of the Environment Department.  An amendment to the report was noted, namely that 67.8% of the Department had completed the Welsh language assessment, and that 93% of those who responded achieved the language designation of their post. He referred to the following points in the report:

-          It was difficult to recruit individuals with the correct expertise to work in the field of planning and public protection.  He explained that inclusion courses were being arranged to assist with this. 

-          The ability to work virtually had changed the department's working methods, and a number of staff had left the department to apply for posts in other locations. However, it was noted that virtual working also meant that the Council was able to attract prospective employees. It was identified that training and investment was needed to encourage officers to remain in their posts.

-          It was noted that there was a need to develop the field of recruitment and to create and maintain links with schools and colleges as things returned to usual following the COVID period.

-          It was explained that there were language difficulties when documents were created between the department and external companies, and a need to ensure that there was no misinterpretation between the Welsh and English.

-          It was emphasised that many companies operated voluntarily on the department's recommendations to secure Welsh names for developments although there was no enforcing legislation.

An opportunity was given for committee members to ask further questions -

-          Why had a number of staff left the department, and what was the reason? A request was also made for an update on changes within the department. It was noted that investment was being made in staff training in the department in order to develop them further. He added that there had been a long period of stability over recent years, but the changes to working methods during the pandemic had provided individuals with opportunities beyond the Council. 

-          A question was asked about whether it was intended to forge a link with Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol or schools and colleges to encourage young people to apply for the posts available within Gwynedd Council. Recruitment had been highlighted as a field that required development, but unfortunately the plans had been held back by the pandemic, and it was hoped that they could be re-instated soon. However, it was explained that a great deal of work had been done to promote posts locally. 

-          A question was asked about whether it was intended to develop Welsh terminology within the department. It was explained that the matter of terminology was difficult and that the service was required to offer a bilingual invitation to tender. The need to be careful with agreements and contracts was noted, to ensure that there was no  misinterpretation between both languages. Consequently, the department had received legal advice to submit agreements and contracts in one language, and that the language could therefore vary between companies. 

-          Disappointment was expressed that there was no law to ensure that native Welsh names used locally were prioritised, but it was emphasised that the department encouraged the use of Welsh, and that a high percentage of companies accepted the Language Unit's recommendations.

DECISION

To accept the report and note the observations received.