The next step on our Welsh Language journey: launching our Welsh Language Forum
The Welsh Language is an important part of our commitment to equality and diversity. And one of the ways in which we are developing Welsh Language support for our affiliate Unions in Wales is by launching our Welsh Language Forum in 2023.
Wales TUC is proud to support Welsh Language Rights Day on the 7 December. We celebrate the official status of the Welsh language and the establishment of rights to use Welsh when dealing with public organisations.
Earlier this year we launched our Cynnig Cymraeg – our Welsh Language Offer. The Offer sets out what you can expect to receive in Welsh when communicating with the Wales TUC. We were very pleased to be one of the first 55 Third Sector organisations in Wales to receive the Welsh Language Commissioner’s recognition for our Cynnig Cymraeg.
In addition to the Cynnig Cymraeg we have bold plans to develop our Welsh language provision through our Welsh Language Development Plan.
In Wales TUC we are also actively using the Welsh language at work and we have many staff members who have already started or are planning to start learning Welsh.
Read my colleague Marion’s blog about learning Welsh and how it’s helped her in ways she didn’t expect, including dropping off to sleep at night!
Workplace equality and the Welsh language
The Welsh Language is an important part of our commitment to equality and diversity.
And one of the ways in which we are developing Welsh Language support for our affiliate Unions in Wales is by launching our Welsh Language Forum in January 2023.
This Forum is open to all affiliate union members across Wales and will give members the opportunity to:
- Share information on experiences involving the Welsh Language and provide advice and guidance
- Provide support for the development of Welsh Language services within the union movement in Wales
- Identify local Welsh Language opportunities and concerns within affiliate unions and offer support with progressive steps and plans
- Discuss Welsh Language learning in the workplace
Dr Mandy James, Bilingual Communications Officer, commented “I’m really excited about the opportunity the new Forum will provide for us and our affiliate Union members in Wales to discuss, develop, evolve and transform our engagement with members and the public by showing how proud we are to offer and support services in Welsh. After all, ‘Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi’ resonates with us all! Let’s celebrate the Welsh Language together - join us on this exciting journey!”
Register your interest in joining the Welsh Language Forum or contact me on MJames@tuc.org.uk if you have any questions.