Welsh Language Annual Report 2016/17

Transcription

1 Welsh Language Annual Report 2016/17 Action Plan 2017/18

2 BLAS Pontio Youth Programme (image: Iolo Penri)

3 Contents Introduction 2 Our commitment to the Welsh language 3 The Role of the Group 4 Key statistics 5 Funded activity 12 Language and employment in the arts 20 Appendix 1 End of Year Report 27 Appendix 2 Welsh Language Action Plan 2017/18 40 Arts Council of Wales is committed to making information available in large print, braille, audio and British Sign Language and will endeavour to provide information in languages other than Welsh or English on request. Arts Council of Wales operates an equal opportunities policy. Front cover: Sbri 3, Cwmni r Frân Wen (image: Kristina Banholzer)

4 Introduction The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 establishes the principle that the Welsh and English languages should be treated on a basis of equality in the conduct of public business. This Measure also established a Welsh Language Commissioner in Wales. The Commissioner has the responsibility for enforcing the legal duties of the Measure through a series of Standards. Public bodies, such as the Arts Council of Wales, are required to publish a policy document that explains how they intend to meet this commitment. Our Policy for Promoting and Facilitating the use of the Welsh Language is published on our website. This document is the Arts Council of Wales Annual Report for 2016/17. It provides information on our performance against the aims, ambitions and requirements set out in our policy document and our Welsh Language Action Plan 2016/17. An end of year report of our Plan 2016/17 may be found at Appendix 1. A copy of our Welsh Language Action Plan for the forthcoming year may be found at Appendix 2. Merch yr Eog, Loeiza Beauvir Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru (image: KirstenMcTernan)

5 Our commitment to the Welsh language One of the obvious ways we express ourselves is through the words and the language that we use. We are a bi-lingual nation legally, socially, culturally, and as individuals and communities. Nothing makes Wales more distinctive than the Welsh Language. The Language provides the means to understand and enjoy an extraordinarily rich literature and culture. The Arts thrive on this and are a key component in continuing the Welsh language s vital role at the heart of Welsh life. Welsh Language Monitoring Group The terms of reference for the Welsh Language Monitoring Group (the Group) were established at its initial meeting on 12th May (They are reviewed and, if necessary, revised on an annual basis by Council each March. Council has an unequivocal commitment to the importance of developing and promoting the arts in and through the medium of Welsh and will defend vigorously the right of people to explore their own culture, their own creativity, through the language of their choice, whether as consumer, participant or artist. What we will do We will deliver a fully bi lingual service in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards and our Welsh Language Scheme To help monitor progress and guide our work in this area we have established a Welsh Language Monitoring Group. Chaired by a member of our Council, it includes staff representatives from across our organisation. The Group meets quarterly. 3

6 The Role of the Group To review, monitor and contribute to the development of policies and procedures that enable the Council to pursue a progressive agenda for advancing its bilingual service as set out in its Welsh Language Scheme and in compliance with the Welsh Language Standards. To assist Council and its officers in ensuring that its activities in this area are consistent with the ambitions of the Welsh Government s Well-being of Future Generations Act. To assist Council and its officers in embedding bilingualism as a routine aspect of Arts Council of Wales s investment, processes and programmes of work. To contribute to the monitoring of Arts Council of Wales compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including any associated general and specific duties, including monitoring the implementation of the Welsh Language Action Plan. To advise on the development, implementation and monitoring of specific developmental projects. 6 7 To offer guidance and advice to its revenue funded organisations on the requirements of the Welsh Language Standards and to all its project-funded organisations, and others who rely on ACW s network, on how to reflect the bilingual nature of present-day Wales. The Group will ensure that these functions are adhered to through the adoption of the following: a) Active oversight of the effectiveness of the Arts Council of Wales s activities in demonstrating a commitment to bilingualism as a fundamental governing principle and as an object in its Royal Charter b) Monitoring implementation of the requirements of the relevant legislation (including the Welsh Language Standards, the Welsh Language Scheme and Action Plan and the review of Equality Impact Assessments) c) Offering guidance and advice on the role of the in-house translator d) Dealing with complaints of a linguistic nature e) Supporting use of Welsh Language in the Arts f) Providing advice and guidance on bilingual matters for the benefits of artists and arts organisations g) Advising on initiatives that assist in the training and professional development of Arts Council of Wales staff h) Making recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team and Council on any of the above. 4

7 Key statistics It is important that we understand as best we can the type and range of Welsh Language issues as they apply to contemporary life in Wales. The Welsh speaking population Census information reveals the following population trends Percentage of population able to speak Welsh 18.7% 20.8% 19.0% Number of population able to speak Welsh 508, , ,000 Source: Census 1991, 2001 & 2011 Although the percentage and number of Welsh speakers in Wales decreased between 2001 and 2011, the number of Welsh speakers is actually higher than recorded in Differences between 2001 and 2011 vary by age group. There have been considerable increases for younger children (aged 3-4), a slight increase for adults aged 20-44, and decreases for all other age groups. 3-4 year olds year olds % of age group able to speak Welsh 18.8% 23.3% 15.5% 15.6% Source: Census 2001 & 2011 Attendance and participation in the arts We have a particular interest in encouraging people to enjoy and take part in the arts. Each year we commission independent research the Wales Omnibus to assess what is happening to Welsh speaking audiences and participants. Adult Omnibus The figures for the adult population are as follows: % Welsh speakers attending or participating in the arts once a year or more often Attendance 78% 79% 83% 81% 81% 80% Participation 37% 46% 44% 47% 49% 50% Source: Wales Omnibus Report 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 &

8 79.6% of Welsh speaking adults attended at least one arts event, once a year or more often. This represented a decrease of -1.1 percentage points from Participation levels have experienced an increase among Welsh speaking adults in 2016 from the previous year, with a half participating in the arts. Welsh Language data taken from the Omnibus survey report 2016 Arts Attendance by Welsh Language (% attending any artform once a year or more) Total Speak any Welsh Non-Welsh Speaker % 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Base: All Adults (2015:1,000 / 2016:1,004) Source: Wales Omnibus survey In 2016, the gap in attendance between Welsh speakers and non-welsh speakers is 1.9 percentage points. Although a gap still remains between the two groups, the gap seems to have decreased slightly from 2015 by -0.9 percentage points (from 2.8 percentage points in 2015 to 1.9 percentage points in 2016). 6

9 Arts Participation by Welsh Language (% taking part in any artistic activity once a year or more) Total Non-Welsh Speaker Speak any Welsh % 20% 40% 60% Base: All Adults (2015:1,000 / 2016:1,004) Source: Wales Omnibus survey Welsh speakers, at 50.0%, remain more likely than non-welsh speakers (42.3%) to take part in artistic activities. The gap in participation rates between Welsh speakers and non-welsh speakers decreased to -7.7 percentage points in 2016, compared to 10.8 percentage points in Children s Omnibus % Welsh speaking children (7-18) attending or participating in the arts once a year or more often Attendance 86% 85% 89% 91% 88% 87% Participation 90% 87% 88% 86% 90% 91% Source: Beaufort Research Wales Omnibus Report 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 &

10 In 2015 the gap between non-welsh speaking children and young people and Welsh speaking individuals attending the arts had narrowed (a difference of 0.5 percentage points) with more non- Welsh speaking children and young people than Welsh speaking individuals attending the arts. However, the 2016 survey shows that the gap has increased as attendance levels are higher in Welsh speaking children and young people (with a difference of 6.4 percentage points). Arts participation for children and young people who speak any Welsh has remained fairly stable (90.6% in 2016 and 90.3% in 2015) and remains higher than non-welsh speaking children and young people. Arts participation amongst non-welsh speaking children and young people has decreased by 3.9 percentage point (from 87.4% in 2015 to 83.5% in 2016). Welsh Language data taken from the Children s Omnibus survey report 2016 Arts Attendance by Welsh Language (% attending any artform once a year or more often) Total Non-Welsh Speaker Speak any Welsh % 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Base: All 7-18 year olds (at least 1,000 per wave) Source: Children s Omnibus Survey

11 Whilst the 2015 data showed that non-welsh speaking children and young people had 0.5 percentage points higher attendance levels than individuals who spoke any Welsh, 2016 data shows that attendance levels are 6.4 percentage points higher for children and young people who speak any Welsh. This shows that the gap between children and young people who speak Welsh compared to non-welsh speaking individuals has increased. Arts Participation by Welsh Language (% participating in any artistic activity once a year or more) Total Non-Welsh Speaker Speak any Welsh % 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Base: All 7-18 year olds (at least 1,000 per wave) Source: Children s Omnibus survey The participation rates among Welsh speakers continues to be higher in 2016, with 90.6% of those who speak some level of Welsh taking part in the arts once a year or more compared to 83.5% of those who are not Welsh speakers. Non-Welsh speakers participation has decreased by 3.9 percentage points in the previous year recorded the gap between the two groups to be narrowing, however, 2016 has recorded the gap between children and young people who speak any Welsh and those who don t to have increased by 7.1 percentage points. 9

12 What we will do We will monitor the impact (positive and negative) on the Welsh language of all new policies, projects and proposals and ensure that all open consultation processes a. encourage feedback from Welsh language speakers and groups b. Include consideration of how the proposal could be formulated to include opportunities for the use of the Welsh language and ensuring Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language We will set up a focus group to look at how we should progress Welsh Language considerations throughout our work. Career pathways and opportunities for developing and nurturing talent, the growth of innovative work and future lottery priorities will be considered by the group and the findings will be introduced to our Council to feed into their discussions on future priorities as they develop our Corporate Plan over the coming months. Discussion will also progress via our All Wales Creative Conversation, which will be the external vehicle to inform our corporate plan development. 211 Lottery funded projects were delivered bilingually and 29 through the medium of Welsh during 2016/17 10

13 The Ghost of Mofra Colliery, Theatr na nóg (image: Simon Gough Photography)

14 Funded activity Lottery Funding Although they are not required by law to do so, we encourage all organisations that we fund to try and operate within the spirit of the Act. We invite organisations in their applications for funding to address how they will reflect the bilingual nature of the community in which they operate and the audiences they are targeting. During 2016/17 we funded 539 Lottery projects, a marked downturn on the years 2013/14 and 2014/15 reflecting, in part, the overall reductions in the levels of Lottery funding available to us. From their applications they delivered their projects in the following languages: 2011/ / / / / /17 Number of lottery projects funded English language Welsh / English Welsh Non-specific Other The figures above indicate fluctuations in the number of projects delivered through the medium of Welsh and of those delivered bilingually. As noted in previous reports, these variations are likely to be the result of changes to the wording on the application forms rather than a dramatic increase in bilingual activity. Trends in this area will be kept under review. What we will do What we will do We will use the data we collect on Welsh language statistics in relation to how our funding is distributed to a) Assess the affect on the Welsh Language for each grant awarded b) develop targeted initiatives to address any gaps identified or any under-represented areas 12

15 Arts Portfolio Wales (APW) The Arts Portfolio Wales (APW) comprises those organisations who receive recurrent grant funding from the Arts Council, awarded on an annual basis, towards their year round programme of activity. Our APW ranges from national companies with international reputations, to others who operate at a smaller scale, often choosing to work with more locally based communities. Larger organisations are themselves expected to have a Welsh Language Scheme and will be required to adopt the Standards in full. We work with them to ensure that this is the case. One of the key strands in our arts development strategy Inspire is about bringing high quality arts activity within easier reach of more people across Wales. So our APW provides the vitally important pins on the map that provide local access to the arts those fixed points in their locality providing a year round programme of activity. Given that these organisations are such an essential partner in the delivery of our vision for the arts in Wales, we expect them to embrace the spirit of the commitments that we make in our Welsh Language scheme. Our expectations are defined in the funding agreements that we have with them. The performance of our APW is reviewed each year. Wales International Harp Festival, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias 13

16 From the evidence gathered through this process during 2016/17, it is clear that the level of the Portfolio s engagement with the Welsh language remains inconsistent. There has, however, been a positive improvement in the number of organisations who have come closer to meeting our expectations. Some organisations could be described as models of best practice both in terms of bilingual communication (websites, marketing, programmes) and increased programme delivery. However, others appear to remain disinterested in meeting their obligations so action is now being taken to address this over the year. Within the 2016/17 Revenue Funding Agreements, operation of a bilingual website is once again a central requirement for all member of APW. A further audit of Portfolio websites was undertaken in January websites are fully bilingual, but 5 organisations remain to have no Welsh content at all on their websites and 1 has only an introduction paragraph on the Homepage in Welsh. 8 websites have a substantial number of pages which aren t available bilingually or use unedited internet generated translation which is unacceptable. 13 websites have a handful of pages missing in the Welsh language, mainly within the News sections and 1 websites is currently under construction. The 2016/17 Funding Agreement contained specific targets for those organisations who were failing to comply with our bilingual requirements. Members of the APW who are still falling short in this area are expected to address this as a priority during 2017/18 and each APW will have to provide a Welsh Language Plan by the 3rd quarter of 2017 providing evidence of delivery and future developments. It is interesting to note that the size of an organisation or its level of income is not in themselves indicators of their ability to deliver a bilingual service. This is important because a number of organisations have argued that the production of marketing material in Welsh means, for example, diverting funds from front-line programme delivery. In other words, meeting bilingual requirements is too expensive. In practice, a number of organisations receiving less than 200,000 in revenue funding are exemplars in bilingual provision, whereas others receiving significantly larger amounts of Arts Council funding have made little or no attempt to address this aspect of their service. This cannot continue. All of our National Companies have published a Welsh Language Policy. We are obviously interested in the scale of Welsh language activity promoted and delivered by Portfolio organisations. The following statistics look at levels of attendance and participation. Our Arts Portfolio delivered 9,973 participatory sessions in Welsh with an attendance of 191,620 14

17 Welsh Language Attendances 2015/ /17 % Change 2015/ /17 % Change Events Events Events Attendances Attendances Attendances Film Screenings ,641 6, Performances by Touring Companies ,809 40, Performances at Presenting Venues ,862 53, Totals 995 1, , , Source: ACW survey of Arts Portfolio Wales Organisations Base: 69 organisations in 2015/16 & 67 organisations in 2016/17 Welsh Language Participation 2015/ /17 % Change 2015/ /17 % Change Sessions Sessions Sessions Attendances Attendances Attendances Children & Young People 3,398 3, , , General 4,291 6, ,442 53, Totals 7,689 9, , , Source: ACW survey of Arts Portfolio Wales Organisations Base: 69 organisations in 2015/16 & 67 in 2016/17 What we will do We will ask our APW clients to increase the number of Welsh language targeted events, or participatory activities, and where activity is open to everyone they look to increase their attendance and participation figures. We will monitor progress via future Survey returns. 15

18 Night Out Scheme Night Out is our small scale community touring scheme. The scheme works with local communities and promoters to stage performances in localities that might not otherwise have easy access to high quality arts provision. Overall figures for Night Out are slightly down on last year and the percentage of Welsh Language productions promoted through the scheme has decreased slightly to 25% (161 of 535 shows) We are now also able to measure Bilingual performances and this figure has been added into the table below: Number of Night Out performances Number in the Welsh language % of Welsh language productions Bilingual Performances 2010/ / / / / / / % 19.5% 24.4% 26.3% 28.2% 30% 25% 41(8%) 48 (9%) During 2016/17 16 of the 22 local authority areas in Wales had a Night Out performance through the medium of Welsh. This increases to 19 if bilingual shows are included. 16

19 Welsh Shows Bilingual Shows 2014/ / / / / / / /17 Local Authority number % number % of welsh shows number % number number Anglesey Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Caerphilly Cardiff Carmarthenshire Ceredigion Conwy Denbighshire Flintshire Gwynedd Merthyr Monmouthshire Neath Newport Pembrokeshire Powys

20 Welsh Shows Bilingual Shows 2014/ / / / / / / /17 Local Authority number % number % of welsh shows number % number number Rhondda Swansea Torfaen Vale of Glamorgan Wrexham

21 Music remains the most popular art form booked - though this may also be due to the much greater range of product available. Drama remains popular at 19% and increases to 24% when you include young people s drama into the mix. Art Form 2014/ / /17 Ceilidh - Twmpath Circus Comedy Drama Music Classical Music Folk Roots / Celtic Music Jazz Music Popular Song Music Rock/Pop Music Brass Band Music World Opera Puppetry Storytelling Theatre For Young People Variety Visual or Physical Theatre What we will do We will continue to promote the Welsh language as a community language by ensuring Night out, and other key projects and initiatives, target Welsh language provision as a priority area. 19

22 Language and employment in the arts Welsh Language skills among Arts Council of Wales staff As at 31st March 2017 we employed 89 people (which included 20 employees on a fixed term contract) and a FTE of In 2015/16 the number of FTE was All staff were required to undertake a self- assessment of their Welsh language skills in January 2017 Of the 89, 46 people recorded intermediate (or above) levels of Welsh. This is equivalent to 51.6% of staff. The full results of the self- assessment are shown below. These will also act as a benchmark for future assessments. Listening None Entry Level 3 Foundation Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Proficiency Level 20

23 None Entry Level Foundation Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Proficiency Level Blank Response Speaking None Entry Level Foundation Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Proficiency Level Writing

24 None Entry Level Foundation Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Proficiency Level Blank Response Reading None Entry Level Foundation Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Proficiency Level Blank Response Training

25 To ensure we fully engage with the Welsh Language Standards, Welsh language courses will be offered within the Learning and Development plan in 2017/18. This plan is currently being developed, capturing details from staff Appraisals and Work Plans. In addition to this, careful consideration will be given to future Job Descriptions and the inclusion of Welsh Language Essential / Desirable to ensure that there is sufficient Welsh Language representation across departments. The chart below shows that the current number of Welsh speaking staff is continuing to reduce. We remain able to deliver services through the medium of Welsh, as required. However, the downwards trend is a matter that will be kept under close review and future recruitment campaigns will be assessed in terms of maintaining an appropriate balance. Welsh speaking staff as a % of total staff 2009/ / / / / / / /

26 20 Proficiency by Job Grade None 17 Basic/Poor Medium 15 Good Very Good Blank* B C D E F CEO

27 What we will do We will ensure that a) All job adverts state that applications may be submitted in Welsh and treated no less favourably than English b) All application forms allow for the individual to select either Welsh or English interview and that simultaneous translation services may be used if appropriate c) Induction process revised to include awareness of Welsh culture and history, Standards and use of Welsh in the workplace d) we have appropriate Welsh Language capability across our staff e) Training provided for Welsh language learners and those wishing to improve their Welsh Welsh Language skills within our APW Organisations Employment 2015/ /17 % Change Total Number of Employees including Volunteers 5,570 5, Total Number of Employees excluding Volunteers 4,217 3, Welsh Speakers 2015/ /17 % Change Total number of Welsh Speaking employees 1,077 1, Source: ACW survey of Arts Portfolio Wales Organisations Base: 68 organisations in 2015/16 & 67 organisations in 2016/17 Boards of Management 2015/ /17 % Change Total number of members of Boards of management Welsh Speakers 2015/ /17 % Change Total number of Welsh Speakers on Boards of management Source: ACW survey of Arts Portfolio Wales Organisations Base: 68 organisations in 2015/16 & 67 organisations in 2016/

28 Procurement All Invitations to Tender we publish encourage respondents to reply in their language of choice and subsequent correspondence is issued in the respondent s preferred language. All interviewees as a result of a tender exercise are offered the option of conducting their meeting in Welsh, using simultaneous translation services if required. Complaints As part of our commitment to promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language, internally and externally, we record and monitor any complaints we receive regarding the Welsh Language. Complaints may relate to us directly, or pertain to organisations or activities for which we have provided funding towards. During 2016/17 we received a total of 3 complaints, 2 of which concerned organisations/ activity we funded, and one of which regarded an administrative error regarding a funding application received. All 3 complaints were fully resolved. 26

29 Appendix 1 Welsh Language Action Plan 2016/17 - End of Year Report 1. Creating the environment for the arts to flourish Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Update RAG RAG Trend Comment 01. Monitor the impact (positive and negative) on the Welsh language of all new policies, projects and proposals Standard 85 Welsh language review carried out as part of the Equalities Impact Assessment process EIA template to be amended to include consideration of the positive effects, or increased positive effects, of the proposals on the Welsh language to be considered as part of the EIA Amber Amber EIAs are undertaken as standard on all new and revised policies and significant projects. The EIA template includes consideration of any potential negative impact on the Welsh language. We will need to review and revise the EIA template as making this change for one protected characteristic suggests the same should be looked at for all. We will do this to coincide with the publication of the revised Equality plan. 02. Ensure our current grant application process meets in full the requirements of the Standards as detailed in our Compliance Notice Standards 68, 68A & 70 Amend wording on our website, application forms and funding guidelines to state that applications may be submitted in Welsh and will be treated no less favourably than those submitted in English Ensure Welsh language application are assessed in the same way as English language and there are no delays associated with the Welsh language in corresponding with applicants Applicants invited to an interview to discuss their application must be offered the option of conducting the interview in Welsh, using simultaneous translation services if required. Amber Green Completed. Guidelines have been updated to include this wording and published. Complete. Wording on our website and published guidelines has been amended to state this. Our current grant assessment procedures ensure that there is no delay in the assessment of Welsh language grant applications. Complete. Staff briefings undertaken to raise awareness of this requirement to all staff, and appropriate documentation including invitations to tender and application for job vacancies updated to include note of this provision. 27

30 03. Promote the Welsh language as a community language Key projects and initiatives, including Night Out programme, target Welsh language provision as a priority area. Representational geographical spread of funding surgeries and other public meetings locations Green Green Of the 513 Night Out shows currently booked for the year 126 events are noted as Welsh and 48, bilingual. We ve continued to conduct Grants Advice Sessions across Wales, with a fully bilingual provision of service 28

31 2. Increasing the value of international working in the arts culturally, socially and economically Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Update RAG RAG Trend Comment 04. Enable artists working through the medium of Welsh to develop new international markets for their work Attendance by at least 4 Welsh speaking artists/groups at international showcase events during 2016/17 Green Green 9 Welsh speaking artists/groups supported to attend international showcase events. Events included: WOMEX, Tanzmesse, Montreal Mundial, Live At Heart, IETM, Rochester Jazz Festival. Bilingual presence of Wales artistic offer at showcase events: Canadian Music Week, Tanzmesse, WOMEX. 29

32 3. Finding new opportunities, ways and places for people to enjoy and take part in the arts Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Update RAG RAG Trend Comment 05 APWs to increase number of Welsh language targeted events, or participatory activities, and where activity is open to everyone they look to increase their attendance and participation figures Data collated via APW Survey returns Not Started Green The deadline for the APW Survey 2016/17 is May Therefore we can only currently report on 2015/16 activity compared to 2014/15. Figures for 2015/16 show an increase of 25% in the number of Welsh language participatory sessions across our APW portfolio, and an increase of 14.5% in the number of Welsh language events. Attendance at these increased by 41%. 30

33 4. Developing the creativity of children and young people Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Update RAG RAG Trend Comment 06. Evaluate the provision of Welsh Language activity and reach through Creative Learning Through the Arts including 1. Number of Welsh language application Figures show comparable percentage of schools are involved in Welsh language activity to that of number of welsh speaking schools in Wales There are 1541 schools in Wales of which 479 (31%) are welsh speaking schools. Lead Creative Schools 127 Welsh language applications in total (Rounds 1, 2 & 3) 107 awarded, bringing total to 153 (20%). 2. Number of Welsh speaking Creative Agents Amber Amber Creative Collaborations 6 Welsh language applications in total since launch of the scheme Go and See 19 Welsh language applications in total - all awarded since launch of the scheme) 17 Welsh-speaking Creative Agent applications in Rounds 2 and 3 (total 316 applications). 31

34 5. Encouraging innovation, resilience and sustainability Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Update RAG RAG Trend Comment 07. Support APWs to operate fully compliant Welsh Language policies Welsh language considerations a standard priority of lottery grant projects and FAs Welsh language considerations are included as a priority in our conditions of grant. All APWs to achieve a fully bilingual website during 2016/17 All National Companies to publish a Welsh Language Action Plan Green Green 96% of our APW clients operated a fully bilingual website. 3 remain outstanding. Funding Agreements for 2017/18 require the submission of a Welsh Language Plan. All Nationals, with the exception of National Dance Company Wales, have Action Plans in place. The NDCW has been granted an extension by the WLC and is progressing satisfactorily with their plan. 32

35 6. Protecting and growing the funding for the arts in Wales Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Update RAG RAG Trend Comment 08. Use the data we collect on Welsh language statistics in relation to how our funding is distributed to a. Assess the affect on the Welsh Language for each grant awarded b. develop targeted initiatives to address any gaps identified or any under-represented areas Standard 90 Amend existing Completion Reporting to include additional requirement (a) Data analysed and used to inform our future development work Report on progress in our Annual Welsh Language Report Amber Amber This Standard is partially met. We do prioritise Welsh language as a key area but we do not assess the affect on the Welsh language for each individual grant awarded. Council agreed to not appeal this Standard and we will therefore review and amend our existing process for evaluation projects we have funded. This Standard is high priority in consideration of the level of change required on our existing processes 33

36 7. Demonstrating the value of the arts Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Report RAG RAG Trend Comment 09. Ensure all research commissioned / undertaken to assist a policy decision includes consideration of a. Opportunities for use of Welsh language b. Treats Welsh language no less favourably than English language Consideration included as part of the research as standard Green Green This Standard is largely met through current Research and Equality Impact Assessment practices. We need to ensure this consideration is added to current Research procedures to meet this Standard in full Standards 91, 92 & Ensure that all open consultation processes Debate and engagement achieved through the Welsh language All consultations are produced bilingually. a. encourage feedback from Welsh language speakers and groups b. Include consideration of how the proposal could be formulated to include opportunities for the use of the Consideration included as part of the consultation as standard Green Green Our existing EIA process ensures that the proposal does not treat the Welsh language any less favourably than the English language. Welsh language and ensuring Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language Standard 88 34

37 8. Making the Arts Council an efficient and effective public body Overall Action RAG Activity Outputs Q2 End of Year Report RAG RAG Trend Comment 11. Deliver a fully bi-lingual service in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards and our Welsh Language Scheme Standard 30 Standards 2, 3, 7,8 9 & 14 Simultaneous bilingual publication of all corporate external material, including display material, in print, public presentations (including PowerPoint presentations) and online forms Webpages and letterheads amended to include a general statement inviting recipients to correspond / call in Welsh or English and corresponding / telephoning in Welsh will not lead to a delay All corporate external materials are produced bilingually. Staff were advised as part of the Standards roll out that all Powerpoint presentations will need to be prepared bilingually. Webpages and letterheads have been amended to include the statement. Customers language of choice recorded for reference all correspondence (including applications for funding) replied to in the original language. Evidence of use of Welsh language and provision of Welsh translation services at all public Corporate events All staff provide a bilingual greeting and any training required, provided All callers to our main number are Green Green Has been done for a number of years for grant applicants. This process will now be extended for non grant related communication. We provide simultaneous translation in all events and collect figures on usage which will feed into our annual report. Script made available for all staff and training provided to non Welsh speaking staff. 35

38 Standard 8 & 20 advised that a Welsh language service is available When contacting / telephoning an individual for the first time, staff ask and record the recipient s language of choice for future reference. We ve continued to offer a bilingual service, with a fully bilingual team offering grants advice, general queries and first point of contact for information and switchboard services. Standard 9 Standard 21 Standards 24, 24A, 25, 25A, 25D Standard 54 When inviting an individual(s) to a meeting for the first time, staff ask and record the recipient s language of choice for future reference and arrange for simultaneous translation services if at least 10% of attendees express Welsh Language preferences All corporate twitter feeds initiated by all of our business areas must be in bilingual format, including Arts Wales, WAI and Night Out ARMs are offered translation services and staff aware through training this facility should be offered to other group meetings, eg Nationals Procedure for capturing language preferences for staff and clients in place. All corporate twitter feeds initiated by all of our business areas are in bilingual format. 12. Review and revise Welsh Language Scheme to reflect the new Standards defined by the Welsh Language Commissioner Standard 94, 150, 151, 156, 157, 159, 162 Ensure revised Scheme includes policy on using the Welsh Language in our work place Revised Scheme includes consideration of Welsh language complaints handling, compliance with the Standards Approval of revised Scheme by Welsh Language Commissioner secured Green Green The Promoting and Facilitating the Use of the Welsh Language policy was approved by our Welsh Language Monitoring Group in its meeting in November. The Policy has been translated, presented to the WLC and published on our website. Policy produced and published on our intranet Staff briefed with understanding on how this impacts upon their work and more widely on the organisations that we work with Welsh language Standards briefings have been conducted for staff and additional training and guidance resources available on Hwb. 13. Arts Council meets its obligations and demonstrates a positive approach to Welsh language matters Standard 149, 161, 163, 165 Standard 152, 153, 155, 158, 164, 167 Welsh Language Plan for 2016/17 is published Plan is monitored Document evidencing our progress in complying with our Standards published on our website Annual Welsh Language Report for 2015/16 produced and published that includes evidence of compliance with the Standards, records and policy making and Welsh language complaints Green Green This has been published as part of our Welsh language Annual Report. Procedures are in place for routine monitoring and reporting of the plan. The final version of our Analysis of the Standards Compliance document has been published and reported against in action plans and Welsh Language Annual Reports. Progress against compliance will also 36

39 be included in our Annual Report This has been approved by Council and published on our website. The 2016/17 report will include more detail regarding our compliance with the standards, following receipt of our Final Compliance Notice in July Welsh language Standards in relation to recruitment of staff fully met Standard 133, 135 All job adverts state that applications may be submitted in Welsh and treated no less favourably than English All application forms allow for the individual to select either Welsh or English interview and that simultaneous translation services may be used if appropriate Green Green Applicants for job vacancies are informed on job adverts that we welcome correspondence in either language. Applicants are asked to state language preference on equal opportunities form and a statement is included which states communication in either language will not lead to a delay. Applicants are informed that where Welsh is essential for a post, interviews and assessments may be held in Welsh and English. 15. Ensure that we have appropriate Welsh Language capability across our staff Minimum of 50% of staff able to speak Welsh Copies retained of Welsh Language skills requirements assessments for each post On the 31/03/2017 we employed 94 people. This included 20 people on fixed term contracts. FTE was 86.9, compared to a FTE of 88.5 on 31/03/2016. Standard 147 Standard 123 & 145 Standard , 146 All recruitment adverts offer candidates a fully bilingual application process Annual assessment of Welsh language skills of all employees Training provided for Welsh language learners and those wishing to improve their Welsh and records maintained for end of year reporting Amber Amber Of the 94 people, 43 spoke welsh, which was 40.42%. 20 people had not recorded anything regarding their level of welsh language so possibly the number was higher. We now regularly remind people to update these details on Cascade so that we can accurately report on these figures. Standard 145 Standard 128 Induction process revised to include awareness of Welsh culture and history, Standards and use of Welsh in the workplace Fully bilingual application process already in place. Initial Welsh Language self assessment questionnaire completed by all staff. Follow up training will need to be considered as part of the learning and Development Plan. 37

40 This Standard is largely met. Our induction process has been amended to include these considerations. WL culture and history videos on Colegau Cymru website can be used to facilitate this for new and existing staff. Lunch hour briefing sessions held for existing staff. 16. Policies and procedures for procurement of goods and services are fair, equitable and transparent and meet the requirements of our Welsh Language Scheme Standard 75 All Invitations to Tender encourage respondents to reply in their language of choice and subsequent correspondence issued in preferred language All interviewees as a result of a tender exercise are offered the option of conducting their meeting in Welsh, using simultaneous translation services if required Data and statistics included in annual report Green Green Out Invite to Tender template currently encourages respondents to submit proposals in their language of choice. We would respond in the same language as existing standard practice. This new provision was highlighted within the Standards roll out programme to ensure all Invitations to Tender from the end of December onwards are updated to include information on interview opportunities. We will continue to report on Welsh language considerations within our procurement activities as part of our standard annual reporting 17. Ensure that our IT systems and our organisational infrastructure complies with the Welsh Language Standards Standard 116 & 121 Standard 66 ICT systems include Welsh language interface option and spellcheck/grammar where available Intranet pages include Welsh language support material for staff to assist in use of Welsh in the workplace All internal notices to be displayed in bilingual format with the Welsh text first Amber Amber Standard partially met. We have Welsh spell check software and language packs for Microsoft, however not all current systems have a Welsh language interface available. The Councils HR systems Cascade now has a Welsh language interface configured through the Linguaskin platform. We will need to explore use of Linguaskin for ipos etc. The Intranet will require a complete rebuild in SharePoint 2016 to enable language variations to meet the standards. Preparations underway to meet intranet related standards for July 2017 and July A Welsh language page is now available on Hwb. 38

41 All internal notices are fully bilingual in accordance with the Standard. 18. Ensure Welsh language options of the following HR related considerations are available for staff; a. Employment contracts b. Any paper correspondence in relation to an individual s employment c. Training requirements d. Performance and appraisal e. Absence records including sickness and annual leave f. All internal HR policies including internal complaints g. Meetings with HR to discuss related matters HR policies amended to include the wording that Welsh language options are also available Existing HR templates and policies e translated and published on Hwb Staff aware that Welsh Language options available if preferred HR software available in bilingual format Meetings with HR to discuss related matters conducted in the individual member of staff s preferred language Green Green Welsh templates are now available for employee contracts. We are in the process of arranging for the translation of HR material including staff policies. This will address this requirement once completed. This was part of the staff briefing Our HR Cascade software is now available bilingually. Appointed HR Manager is fully bilingual Existing documents have been amended to include this wording Standards

42 Appendix 2 Welsh Language Action Plan Our external priorities MAKE - Developing talent and creativity Action Measure Lead 1. Monitor the impact (positive and negative) on the Welsh language of all new policies, projects and proposals Culture Equality Welsh language review carried out as part of the Equalities Impact Assessment process EIA template to be amended to include consideration of the positive effects, or increased positive effects, of the proposals on the Welsh language to be considered as part of the EIA Director Engagement and Participation 2. Ensure that all open consultation processes a. encourage feedback from Welsh language speakers and groups b. Include consideration of how the proposal could be formulated to include opportunities for the use of the Welsh language and ensuring Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language Debate and engagement achieved through the Welsh language Consideration included as part of the consultation as standard Communications Culture Equality Community 40

43 REACH - Encouraging more people to enjoy and take part in the arts Action Measure Lead 3. APWs to increase number of Welsh language targeted events, or participatory activities, and where activity is open to everyone they look to increase their attendance and participation figures Data collated via APW Survey returns Research Culture Equality Community 4. Promote the Welsh language as a community language Culture Resilience Community Key projects and initiatives, including Night Out programme, target Welsh language provision as a priority area. Representational geographical spread of funding surgeries and other public meetings locations Arts Development Information Services 5. Use the data we collect on Welsh language statistics in relation to how our funding is distributed to a. Assess the affect on the Welsh Language for each grant awarded b. develop targeted initiatives to address any gaps identified or any underrepresented areas Amend existing Completion Reporting to include additional requirement (a) Data analysed and used to inform our future development work Report on progress in our Annual Welsh Language Report Director - IFS Research Chief Executive Culture Resilience Community Equality 6. Evaluate the provision of Welsh Language activity and reach through Creative Learning Through the Arts including Figures show comparable percentage of schools are involved in Welsh language activity to that of number of welsh speaking schools in Wales Engagement and Participation 41

44 a. Number of Welsh language applications b. Number of Welsh speaking Creative Agents Community Resilience Equality 42

45 SUSTAIN - Enabling a dynamic and entrepreneurial arts sector Action Measure Lead 7. Deliver a fully bi-lingual service in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards and our Welsh Language Scheme Culture Community Equality Simultaneous bilingual publication of all corporate external material, including display material, in print, public presentations (including PowerPoint presentations) and online forms Webpages and letterheads amended to include a general statement inviting recipients to correspond / call in Welsh or English and corresponding / telephoning in Welsh will not lead to a delay Communications Communications All correspondence (including applications for funding) replied to in the original language. Evidence of use of Welsh language and provision of Welsh translation services at all public Corporate events All corporate twitter feeds initiated by all of our business areas must be in bilingual format, including Arts Wales, WAI and Night Out Communications Communications SLT/ Communications 8. Policies and procedures for procurement of goods and services are fair, equitable and transparent and meet the requirements of our Welsh Language Scheme Equality Resilience Prosperity All Invitations to Tender encourage respondents to reply in their language of choice and subsequent correspondence issued in preferred language All interviewees as a result of a tender exercise are offered the option of conducting their meeting in Welsh, using simultaneous translation services if required data and statistics included in annual report HICTI Communications HICTI 43