Welsh Language Standards

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 makes Welsh an official language in Wales. This means it must be treated no less favourably than English.

The Welsh Language Commissioner has published Welsh Language Standards, as set out by the Welsh Government under Section 44 of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. These Standards have applied to WCVA since 25 January 2017.

THE STANDARDS

The Standards are a set of legally binding requirements that aim to improve the bilingual service that the people of Wales can expect to receive from a number of public and statutory bodies.  WCVA is also included. The Standards clearly set out what our responsibilities are in terms of providing bilingual services, ensuring the Welsh language is not treated any less favourably than the English language.

The Language Standards are divided into five different categories

  • Service Delivery
  • Policy Making
  • Operational
  • Record Keeping
  • Promotion

WCVA is required to comply with Standards for Service Delivery, Policy Making, Operational, and Record Keeping.

COMPLIANCE NOTICE

A compliance notice was issued to WCVA on 25 July 2016 setting out which standards apply to WCVA. Read the Compliance Notice in full.

Ensuring compliance

This document sets out the arrangements for overseeing compliance with the Standards.

This document sets out how we intend to comply with the Standards.

You can read our annual report on the Welsh Language Standards in relation to 2024/25.

 

We are committed to providing a fully bilingual service and promote the use of Welsh as much as possible. Here’s what you can expect from us:

Corresponding and contacting us via telephone:

  • We welcome correspondence in Welsh.
  • If we receive correspondence in Welsh, we respond in Welsh. Corresponding with us in Welsh will not lead to a delay in responding.
  • When you contact us via telephone you can choose to speak to us in Welsh.
  • If you would like to speak to a specific member of staff about a certain issue in Welsh and that staff member does not speak Welsh they will offer to transfer you to a colleague who does.

Meetings, events and training:

  • When inviting you to a meeting or event we will ask whether you would like to contribute in Welsh and provide simultaneous translation for those wo do not understand Welsh
  • We welcome contributions in Welsh at all our meetings and events
  • Our learning programme includes Welsh language courses on various topics

Communication, Marketing and Publicity

  • All our publications and marketing materials are produced bilingually as one document where possible
  • Our website is bilingual and we also post on social media in Welsh and English