Agenda item

To submit the Annual Report on the Welsh Language Standards 2020/21.

 Submitted – the Annual Report on the Welsh Language Standards 2020/21 which is a statutory requirement which deals with the way in which the Council has complied with the Welsh Language Standards, introduced under the Welsh Language Measure (Wales) 2011. 

The Leader of the Council in the absence of the Portfolio Holder for responsibility for the Welsh Language reported that a ‘secret shopper’ exercise was undertaken by the office of the Welsh Language Commissioner, on the Welsh language standards of the Authority which resulted in a positive outcome with no matters arising that needs to be addressed.   She wished to thank the staff and the Welsh Language Forum of the Council and the Independent Chair of the Forum for their commitment in developing the Welsh language within the Authority. The Leader further referred to the ARFer programme which is specifically targeted to increase the use of the Welsh language in the workplace, businesses and within the community.  She further said that the pandemic has been a challenge and the Council in the ways of working and the Authority has had to alter the opportunities given for staff to learn the Welsh language.

The Head of Democratic Services reported that there are 154 Welsh language standards. The Council had already being complying with a significant number of the Standards placed upon it through the implementation of its Language Scheme and this scheme went further than the Language Standards in many areas.  Section 4 of the Welsh Language Standards refers to self-regulation and the interactive steps in place within the Council which ensures that the Welsh language is given adequate place in the Authority.  He noted that whilst the report is positive, the Authority will face challenges in the future as there is more emphasis on the use of technology and training and develop staff will need to be developed further and especially as there has been limited face to face contact due to the pandemic.    He further said that the Language Officer has been supporting three services within the Council in promoting the use of the Welsh language and further emphasis will be given in supporting other front line services.  There will also be additional requirements on the Council in respect of ‘live-streaming’ meetings which will result in pressure on translation service in servicing virtual meetings. 

The Committee considered the report and made the following main points:-

·      Questions were raised if there are any additional data that would add value to the Annual Report. 

The Chief Executive said that the Authority has set a target as regards to the number of Welsh speakers on the Island and it will be interesting to gauge  the result of the census for 2021 when it come available in a few months to view.  The results of the census will need to be viewed also in respect of different communities as regards to the number of Welsh speakers in each area.  She further said that the Authority has adopted a levels of skills formula in respect of using the Welsh language when advertising vacant posts; some post require a level of oral skills rather than written skills. 

·      The Committee expressed that it was important to promote the language and highlight the potential of future career paths within the Island schools and college; promoting career opportunities in the Council and other businesses on the Island will enable local young people to be able to stay within their local communities.

The Chief Executive agreed that the Authority needs to promote that the Council has good opportunities and career paths for young people.  She noted that representatives from the Social Services Department have visited Bangor University as there is an excellent course for Social Workers.

The Leader of the Council further referred to the ‘Denu Talent’ scheme that has been offered to young people to work over the summer holidays within the Council; a traineeship scheme is also to be offered in due course.   The Chief Executive noted that due to the pandemic the ‘Denu Talent’ scheme was unable to be afforded this year but it is anticipated that the scheme can be available next year.

It was RESOLVED to approve the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2020/21.