Cyngor Gwynedd continues to lead on the Welsh Language in the Workplace

Cyngor Gwynedd has published its annual report on Language Standards in the workplace, which shows the Council's ongoing commitment to promoting and using the Welsh language in all aspects of its work.

The report highlights the positive steps taken during 2024–25 to ensure that services are provided by default through the medium of Welsh, including staff training, internal resource development, and compliance monitoring.

The Welsh language is considered an essential skill for all positions within the Council and more than 99% of staff are proficient in the language.

Over the past year, a lot of work has been undertaken to strengthen skills and increase staff confidence in using their Welsh.  The Council continues to set a national example by ensuring that the Welsh language is a living and active language within its administrative structures and public services.

Here are some of the achievements during 2024-25:

• Work has been undertaken to increase awareness of language policy and the language standards and training available among staff.
• Language refresher sessions have been held, for example new staff who are not used to working through the medium of the language / are not used to writing in Welsh.
• Offer guidance on compliance with Welsh language standards and to report on projects that contribute to the implementation of the Language Strategy.

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd said:

"Cyngor Gwynedd has a long and proud history of leadership in language matters and I am proud of the continuous progress that is being made. 

"It brings great satisfaction to know that any member of the public who receives a service from Cyngor Gwynedd will be able to be confident of knowing that they will receive that service in Welsh."

Councillor Llio Elenid Owen, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Legal Services and the Welsh Language, added:

"I'm delighted that the residents of Gwynedd have the opportunity to use their Welsh across all the services the Council provides. The annual report is an opportunity for us to highlight the good work being done by staff across all the Council's departments, and I'm looking forward to seeing another year of implementation, and ensuring that promoting the Welsh language is a key part of all the Council's work."