Agenda item

To submit the report of the Language Development Officer

Submitted - the report of the Welsh Language Development Officer by the Senior Manager – Democracy and Delivery. Details were provided on how the audit was undertaken and the results from the work which led to the further action steps.  It was reported that there was a gap in some service elements which prevented a complete Welsh language service being offered, for example, systems not available in Welsh.   Nevertheless, it was reported that there would be communication with other bodies to put pressure on them to offer a Welsh language service.

The 'mystery shopper' exercise found that the Welsh language pattern in youth clubs was very disappointing with the need to equip staff to be more confident to use the Welsh language all the time.

It was reported that the Council had not prepared an explanation of what exactly the Welsh Language Policy entailed when using the language. Consequently, new guidelines had been produced recently which included a reference to assistance. Reference was made to the need for contracts with external companies to include conditions which detailed what exactly was required, for example, installing Welsh language signs, and the need for a Welsh speaking officer on the site.

It was noted that recruitment in some fields was difficult and that there were arrangements in the pipeline to discuss the matter with every Head of Service in turn as a result of previous decisions by this Committee.

It was agreed that it was necessary to change staff and managers' behaviour and this could be influenced by the Internal Communications Team.  It was noted that the phrase " Always start every conversation in Welsh" was very important in changing staff and managers' behaviour.

A member suggested that it would be very valuable to ask for feedback regarding the Language Charter from head teachers of schools. Concern was expressed by the member that the paperwork with the Language Charter was becoming a burden on the schools.  In response to the member's concern, the Senior Manager – Democracy and Delivery reported that Gwynedd Council had experimented with the Language Charter for two years and were now examining what was good practice.

The Welsh Language Development Officer explained that the Council was in the process of developing a language web for the office which included eight simple questions on the use of the Welsh language, staff awareness and confidence.  With the language web, the Welsh Language Development Officer would be hearing from the officers themselves rather than managers as it was only the opinion of managers which was received from the Welsh language audit. It was intended to use that for targeting interventions in departments which needed attention.

The observation was made that staff needed encouragement and reference was made to the unbelievable work which had been achieved recently by the Welsh football team and Gwynedd Council could achieve similar work.   It was noted that two Hunaniaith community officers had visited Youth Clubs providing presentations on Welsh history.

RESOLVED to note the content of the report.