Agenda item

Cabinet Member Angela Sandles and Pennie Walker introduced the report and answered the members’ questions with Nia Roberts. 

• Members asked what the main achievements of the Council were in promoting the Welsh language during 2023-2024, and heard that receiving Employer of the Year award, an enhanced programme of Welsh language courses to staff and members, and increased number of Welsh speakers in the contact centre, and the use of bilingual e-mail addresses and Welsh tips in the staff newsletter were key achievements that could demonstrate the Council’s commitment.  

• Discussion took place on the main challenges and risks for the Council in complying with the Welsh language standards, these including the delay in procurement of the new telephony system, the need to review the translation process, the need to monitor the staff's Welsh language skills and training, and the need to respond to any complaints from the public or the Welsh language commissioner.  

• Members asked how the Council plans to improve its Welsh language provision and performance in the future, officers providing a list of suggestions that will form part of a future action plan.  

• Queries included how many staff members had registered for a Welsh language course during 2023-2024 and whether it was an increased number in comparison to previous years, due to the additional flexibility and options to learn Welsh.   

• Questions were asked around courses, the hours required, the various levels of proficiency, the take-up and completion rates, the number of staff progressing between the entry level and intermediate to advanced level ability, and how staff are engaged and incentivised to take up the courses. It was suggested that some case studies may better illustrate the added value to a persons role. 

• The Chair questioned whether in view of 83% of Monmouthshire residents not speaking Welsh, whether the same standards applied to the Council as an authority where 75% of residents speak fluently, and this was confirmed to be the case. 

• In terms of public announcements, should we ensure our policy included the need for a Welsh announcement for specific occasions.  

• Staff recruitment was discussed, members highlighting that given there is a need to increase Welsh speakers in the contact centre, there may be a need to recruit from other areas of Wales and consider postholders who would primarily be home-based. A question was asked as to whether the ‘Welsh speaker’ requirement may be a deterrent to English applicants and it was agreed that this should be discussed with People Services, to ascertain whether there is any data on that (Action: Nia Roberts and Pennie Walker). 

• A member asked whether in terms of social care, being a front-line service, the Council has capacity to provide care in the Welsh language, if requested. 

• Another member queried whether the Council will be seeking to provide simultaneous translation for Council meetings. 

• The issue of bi-lingual signage was raised, a member highlighting how difficult it can be for people reading road signs whilst driving, particularly if a person has dyslexia and suggested future road signage could incorporate a horizontal line between the English and Welsh texts to assist drivers. (Action: Nia Roberts and Pennie Walker to follow up and consider in relation to the Council’s Strategic Equality Plan).  

All questions were answered by officers and Cabinet Members and the Committee was satisfied with the report, drawing the following conclusion. 

Chair’s Summary: 

Thank you to the Cabinet Member for attending and answering member’s questions and thanks to the officers for this report, noting you are both new in post. The Committee is satisfied with progress and the report has been moved, with some actions to be addressed following the meeting.