‘Rho Gynnig Arni’ – a training and mentoring scheme to improve confidence of Welsh speaking staff
Coleg y Cymoedd was eager to increase the number of staff who used the Welsh language in their work. It became clear to the Welsh Language Manager that a number of staff had attended Welsh medium schools and were Welsh speakers, however they did not use the Welsh language at work. The College decided to develop a scheme to encourage Welsh speakers within the workforce to use more Welsh at the College.
‘Welsh Language Training’ Programme Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was the first health board to employ an in-house Welsh language tutor. The role of the tutor is to create and tailor suitable courses for the needs of the health board staff. By working with the tutor, the learners improve their language skills and increase their confidence in order to be able to use their Welsh in the workplace and beyond. This is done by providing them with language training opportunities and other resources, in order to improve their ability to provide care and health services in Welsh.
Welsh Government's strategy for increasing the internal use of the Welsh language
Because of the duty on Welsh Ministers to develop a policy relating to using the Welsh language internally, the Government have published a strategy called Cymraeg- It belongs to us all. The Government's aim for the Welsh language within the organisation is that all its staff will understand Welsh by 2050. This will enable staff to work in Welsh from day to day, with a view to seeing a significant increase in the use of the language as a result.
Encouraging Welsh in the workplace
Staff working for the Children's Commissioner for Wales recently initiated an idea to support the use of the Welsh language within the organisation. 'My Welsh Promise' was created and officially adopted as a means of maintaining the progress in the use of the Welsh language by fluent speakers and those learning Welsh.
Changing Language Practice in the Workforce
The Isle of Anglesey County Council has a scheme to increase the use of Welsh within its internal administration. The aim is to encourage a positive corporate environment that supports the internal use of Welsh.
The Department for Work and Pensions has improved its advertising arrangements to increase the number of Welsh speakers applying for posts.
Changing the language habits of staff
Researchers from Bangor University have created a programme to encourage staff to speak Welsh informally with each other.
Increase the capacity of Welsh language skills among the workforce
Over a number of years, North Wales Police has actively implemented leadership, recruitment and training arrangements. This has led to a significant increase in the capacity to serve the public through the medium of Welsh.