Union Welsh Language Policy

In my year as Welsh Affairs Officer the Union revised the Welsh Language Policy, this policy was implemented to promote and raise awareness in the Union of the language. In the policy it aims:  

Objectives 

The Welsh Language Policy of the Students’ Union is designed to ensure that the Union reflects and promotes the bilingual nature of Wales. Its aims are to: 

• Increase the visibility and accessibility of Welsh across Union activities, services, and communications. 

• Support and encourage students to engage with the Union in both Welsh and English. 

• Comply with relevant Welsh language legislation and commitments, ensuring inclusivity and equality for Welsh speakers. 

• Promote and celebrate Welsh culture, heritage, and identity within the student community. 

Progress So Far 

• Policy revised to reflect updated commitments to bilingualism and inclusivity. 

• Initial training opportunities identified for staff to improve awareness and confidence in using Welsh. 

• Core Union communications reviewed to ensure bilingual provision is being consistently delivered. 

• Engagement with Welsh-speaking student groups to gather feedback on key priorities. 

Planned Actions 

• Implementation of Bilingual Communications: Ensure key digital and print communications are made available in both Welsh and English, with consistent quality and visibility. 

• Staff Development: Deliver Welsh language awareness training for staff and explore opportunities for Welsh learning support. 

• Student Engagement: Work with Welsh-speaking societies and cultural groups to promote events, campaigns, and initiatives that celebrate Welsh language and culture. 

• Monitoring & Review: Establish clear reporting structures to monitor compliance with the policy and adjust based on student/staff feedback. 

Measures of Success 

• Increased availability and visibility of bilingual materials across Union channels. 

• Uptake of Welsh language training by Union staff. 

Progress so far: 

• The policy has been esculated to Senior Management Team, to review and implement within the annual business of the Union. 

• The Welsh Affairs Officer will now be taking charge on future policy implementations.