Report cover

The Welsh Language Commissioner has published the annual report for 2024–25, highlighting both progress and challenges as public organisations fulfil their Welsh language duties. The report reflects another year of detailed work to monitor, assess and promote compliance with Welsh language standards and language plans across public services and sectors.

According to the Commissioner, the report demonstrates continued commitment to enabling Welsh speakers to live their lives in Welsh, and ensuring organisations carry out their duties effectively, responsibly and ambitiously.

Key findings of the report

Ongoing improvement in compliance 

Many organisations have now embedded the language standards into their day-to-day operations—especially in areas such as publishing documents, social media and job advertisements.

Challenges in frontline services 

Phone services and reception areas remain the most problematic, with low compliance rates and slow progress.

Priority sectors – health and education 

While websites and documents show visible improvements, gaps persist in areas like forms and phone services. Continued investment is needed to strengthen staff language skills in these sectors.

Promoting Welsh-language services 

Organisations differ widely in how they promote their Welsh-language services—some show innovation, while others struggle to effectively communicate availability.

Reviewing and strengthening language plans 

Organisations are encouraged to plan strategically to prepare for the transition to the Welsh language standards regime in a timely and robust manner.

Responding to policy changes 

Organisations should consider the Commissioner’s recommendations when reviewing their five-year strategies to promote Welsh. Updated strategies must reflect upcoming policy and legislative changes—including the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025—and any actions arising from the Commission for Welsh-speaking communities report.

Governance and performance monitoring

There’s a call to strengthen governance, reporting and complaint procedures, ensuring Welsh is central to board discussions and performance monitoring processes.

Co-regulation 

This approach continues to evolve, fostering a culture of self-regulation alongside robust scrutiny. The six regulatory outcomes set clear, measurable expectations. The report includes tailored recommendations for each outcome, urging organisations to act deliberately and strategically to make Welsh a core part of their services, organisational culture and activities.

Alison Dods, Senior Welsh Language lead, Department for Work and Pensions, said: 
“These reports from the Welsh Language Commissioner are an invaluable resource. They’ve helped the Department for Work and Pensions over the years to ensure we deliver high-quality bilingual services to our customers in Wales. They not only set a clear benchmark for our compliance with the Welsh Language plan but also drive ongoing improvement across our services.”

According to Ben Screen, Welsh Language lead at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

“These reports are an important way of identifying general trends and spotting where work is needed. They’re also a very useful way of seeing what’s happening in other organisations, to learn from effective practices. They’re a key part of planning priorities for the coming year, making sure our work aligns with what the Commissioner would like to see.”

The full report is available to read here, along with details on how individual organisations are performing