Welsh Language Scheme

In compliance with the terms of the Welsh Language Act 1993, the Commission, in conjunction with the Welsh Language Board, has developed the Commission's Welsh Language Scheme.

The scheme was approved by the board of the Commission on 25 March 2010. It received approval from the Welsh Language Board on 20 April 2010. The scheme has been launched throughout the Commission and to the general public.

The Commission has adopted the principle, so far as it is both appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably practicable, that in the conduct of its public business in Wales, it will treat the English and Welsh languages on a basis of equality. The scheme sets out how we will give effect to that principle.

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 establishes a framework for introducing duties on persons to comply with statutory standards relating to the Welsh language. The standards will replace the current system of Welsh language schemes established under the Welsh Language Act 1993.

A standards investigation was carried out in relation to the Commission of Equality and Human Rights between November 2014 and February 2015 and a standards report outlining the conclusions of the investigation was presented for the attention of Welsh Ministers.

Welsh Ministers have confirmed that they expect a debate and vote on the approval of regulations to be held in the National Assembly for Wales Plenary Session on 9 February 2016, and that those regulations will come into force on 16 February 2016.

These regulations specify standards in relation to 32 organizations; including the Commission. The regulations authorise the Welsh Language Commissioner to give a compliance notice, requiring those bodies to comply with one or more of the standards specified in the regulations. Until then the Commission will comply with its current Welsh Language Scheme.

A copy of the Welsh Language Scheme is available for download.

If, after having read it, you have any comments or queries, please contact the Commission in Wales:

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Block 1 Spur D, Government Buildings

St Agnes Road

Cardiff CF14 4YJ

Email: wales@equalityhumanrights.com

Last Updated: 03 Mar 2016