The Welsh Language Commissioner's vision is of a Wales where people can live their lives in Welsh. In order to achieve this we have a new Strategic Plan which includes our priorities for the next period. We aim to achieve our vision through our regulatory work, our promotion and facilitation work, and our influencing and communication work.
Using the Welsh language with public organisations
One way of enabling speakers in Wales to use the Welsh language is to ensure that public organisations operating in Wales, and many British organisations, provide Welsh language services in accordance with the requirements that have been placed on them. A high number of these organisations now implement Welsh language standards while others continue to implement Welsh language schemes.
Using the Welsh language with businesses and charities
Another way that the Commissioner enables Welsh speakers from all over Wales to use the Welsh language is through our promotion work with the private and third sector. Our Promotion team works with businesses and charities of all kinds to encourage and support them as they increase the Welsh language services available to the public. The Welsh Language Commissioner's Cynnig Cymraeg recognition is offered to businesses and charities that have succeeded in creating a Welsh language development plan.
What happens if you can't use Welsh?
It is important to the Welsh Language Commissioner that you are able to inform us on occasions when you cannot use the Welsh language. You can make a complaint to the Commissioner about an organisation that comes under the Welsh language standards, or if an organisation does not comply with its language scheme. If you feel that a third sector or private sector organisation treats the Welsh language less favorably than the English language in Wales, you can raise a concern.
You can also let us know if someone has interfered with your freedom to use the Welsh language with someone else. More information about how to make a complaint, or how to contact us when you are unable to use Welsh with other individuals, is available here.
Supporting others to feel confident to use the Welsh language
The people of Wales should be able to enjoy using Welsh in their day to day lives, whether that is at school, at work, with family and friends or with colleagues.
The national campaign ‘Defnyddia dy Gymraeg’ (Use your Welsh) aims to share information about Welsh language services. The campaign aims to raise the confidence of speakers to use the language in all aspects of life. More information about recent activity and ways you can support the campaign in the future is available here.