In an event held on the Eisteddfod field at Rhondda Cynon Taf, in Pontypridd, Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner and Director of Regulation will outline the Commissioner’s vision for the years ahead.
He will discuss the method of co-regulation, as well as the intention to present outcomes that represent the common aims and objectives of the Welsh Language Commissioner, public organisations and users of the Welsh language.
To coincide with the event, the Commissioner will also publish an annual report which gives an overview of how organisations that come under the Welsh language standards comply with their language duties.
According to Osian Llywelyn there are reasons to be proud of the progress that has been made over the past year,
“It’s nice to be able to report that the compliance levels of public organisations that implement Welsh language standards are improving. An increasing number are providing quality Welsh language services on every occasion. It is also encouraging to see that the health sector, after several years of underperforming, is making good progress in a number of key services.
“Having said that, there is further work to be done if we want to realise our vision of a Wales where people can live in Welsh. Organisations need to improve people’s awareness of the services available in Welsh, encouraging them to take advantage of them and use them.
“By setting specific outcomes it allows us to focus our resources on what will offer the greatest impact. It also means that we can consider the compliance of organisations in the context of the national vision of increasing the number of Welsh speakers and increasing the use of the language.”
The event will be held today, (Monday, 5 August) in the Cymdeithasau (Societies) pavilion at 11 o’clock. Joining Osian to discuss effective co-regulation will be representatives from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board alongside the Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones.
Presenter and broadcaster Betsan Powys will chair the event.
According to one of the panel members, Ben Screen, Strategic Leader of the Welsh Language at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, the Commissioner’s work on co-regulation, is to be welcomed,
“I fully accept that the organisations which come under the standards need to implement them fully. It is also important that they receive guidance and advice from the Commissioner. The method of co-regulation that has been put in place suggests an inclusive and collaborative way of operating.
“The outcomes that have now been presented offer clear guidance about what is expected and emphasise that this is an ongoing process where it will be necessary to expect improvement and constant progress.”
Of the organisations reviewed, the report’s figures indicate that:
The Welsh Language Commissioner will have a stand at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod, and anyone is welcome to drop by for a chat or to ask a question. A series of activities will be held throughout the week. Visit the website or follow us on social media to find out more about what will be happening.
