SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY WELSH LANGUAGE SCHEME PREPARED UNDER THE WELSH LANGUAGE ACT 1993

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY'S Welsh Language Scheme has received the approval of The Welsh Language Board under Section 14(1) of the Welsh Language Act 1993 on 10 th June 1999. The second revised version has received the approval of the Welsh Language Board under Section 16 of The Welsh Language Act on the 25 th of March 2010. THE SCHEME WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF ITS APPROVAL BY THE WELSH LANGUAGE BOARD. For enquiries about the Scheme please contact the: Head of Administration and Customer Care Snowdonia National Park Authority National Park Office Penrhyndeudraeth Gwynedd LL48 6LF Tel.: 01766-770274 Fax: 01766-771211 e-mail: parc@eryri-npa.gov.uk 2

Contents Page 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Statement of Principle 5 1.2 Timetable for Implementing the Scheme 5 1.3 Snowdonia National Park 6 1.4 The Authority 6 1.5 The Authority s Work 7 1.6 The Authority s Office 7 1.7 Responsibility for this Scheme 7 1.8 Alteration of this Scheme 8 2. SERVICE PLANNING AND DELIVERY 2.1 New Policies and Initiatives 8 2.2 Delivery of Service 9 2.3 Services Delivered by our Agents and 9 Contractors 2.4 Standards of Service in Welsh 10 3. DEALING WITH THE WELSH SPEAKING PUBLIC 3.1 Letters 11 3.2 Telephone Communications 11 3.3 Public Meetings 12 3.4 Other Meetings 13 3.5 Liaison with Schools and the Community 13 3.6 Other Dealings with the Public 13 4. THE AUTHORITY S PUBLIC FACE 4.1 Corporate Identity 14 4.2 Signs 14 4.3 Publishing and Printing 15 4.4 Official Notices, Public Notices and Staff 15 Recruitment Advertisements 4.5 Advertising, Publicity etc 16

4.6 Legal Documents 16 4.7 Layout 16 5. IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME 5.1 Recruitment 16 5.2 Language Training 17 5.3 Vocational and Professional Training 17 5.4 Administrative Arrangements 18 5.5 Use of Welsh by other Parties 19 6. MONITORING THE SCHEME 6.1 Monitoring 20 6.2 Responsibility 20 6.3 Public Opinion 20 6.4 Publishing Information 21 6.5 Action Plan: Targets and Timetable 22 6.6 Publicity for the Revised Scheme 22 6.7 Suggestions 23 6.8 Complaints 23 7. CONCLUSION 7.1 Investigation 24 4

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Statement of Principle This Scheme sets out how the Snowdonia National Park Authority will give effect to the principle established by the Welsh Language Act 1993 that, in the conduct of Public business, the Welsh and English languages should be treated on the basis of equality. The Scheme sets out how the Authority will give effect to that principle when providing services to the public. 1.1.1 The Welsh Assembly Government s strategy and action plan for a bilingual Wales has had an influence on this revised language scheme. This Authority through its actions, would like to contribute to the Welsh Assembly Government s vision of increasing the number of Welsh speakers. 1.1.2 Our commitment to ensuring the Welsh language is treated equally as outlined in this Scheme, will play a key part in contributing towards one of the major objectives of the strategy, that is to stop the reduction of Welsh speakers in communities where Welsh is spoken by over 70% of the population. This is particularly relevant to Snowdonia, as many of these communities are located within the Park boundaries. 1.1.3 The Authority wishes to see Technical Advice Note 20 The Welsh Language Unitary Development Plans and Planning Control revised by the Welsh Assembly Government, so as to give guidance on what information should be used to assess the language impact that a development may have, so as to show if it is detrimental to the Welsh language or not. 1.1.4 It is the Authority s intension to press the Assembly to act upon this mater. The Authority would welcome an opportunity to take part in any research or consultation regarding revising Technical Advice Note 20. 1.1.5 The Authority is committed to working within the revised guidance in Technical Advice Note 20 when it is published. 1.2 Timetable for implementing the Scheme This Language Scheme is the second revision of the original Snowdonia National Park Authority s Language Scheme which was approved on the 10 th of June 1999. We are a bilingual Public Authority and the majority of measures within this Scheme are current practice. 1.2.1 Despite an increase in the number of staff employed by the Authority since the start of the original Scheme, we have ensured that the growth in the Authority has not impaired negatively on the use of the Welsh language in our day to day operations. The Authority s recruitment policies have ensured that the Welsh language has remained an integral part of the Authority s culture. 5

1.2.2 The Authority has strengthened its monitoring systems, so that we are now in a position to measure and report with definite statistics on the Welsh language skills of our staff as well as our use of the Welsh language. The Authority reports in full annually to the Welsh Language Board on the main indicators. 1.2.3 The whole Authority will be working towards gaining the Customer Service Excellence standard by 2012. Part of the work for this standard is to recognise the importance of gaining public opinion on the Authority s performance. As part of this work we will be asking the public to evaluate the quality of the Welsh language service provided including the use that we make of the language. 1.3 The Snowdonia National Park The Snowdonia National Park covers an area of 2,171 km 2 (840 square miles). It is situated within the administrative areas of Gwynedd and Conwy in North Wales. 1.3.1 There are some 26,000 residents within the National Park. 63% of residents were recorded as Welsh speakers in the 2001 Census. 1.4 The Authority The Snowdonia National Park Authority (which is referred to in this Scheme as "the Authority") was established in accordance with the Environment Act 1995. The Authority became fully operational on 1 st April, 1996. 1.4.1 The Environment Act 1995 redefined the purposes of the National Park as follows: Serving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park. Promoting opportunities for the enjoyment and understanding of the special qualities of the area by the Public. The Act also strengthened the Authority's duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities within the National Park. 1.4.2 The Authority is governed by 18 Members. 9 of the Members are Councillors appointed by Gwynedd Council. 3 of the Members are Councillors appointed by Conwy County Borough Council. 6 of the Members are appointed by the Welsh Assembly Government. 1.4.3 We have about 170 permanent staff. We also employ temporary seasonable workers. The Chief Executive, Aneurin Phillips, is the Authority's Head of Paid Service. Our main office is based at Penrhyndeudraeth. 6

1.5 The Authority's Work Our work comprises the following areas: Conservation of the natural and built environment of the National Park. Visitor and Recreational services, including the Warden Service. Education and Information about the National Park. We prepare bilingual press releases and information leaflets on a wide range of topics concerning the National Park, together with bilingual newspapers for residents and visitors and an annual report on the work of the Authority. Planning. We are the local planning authority for the National Park and are responsible for the control of development and for preparing local, strategic and management plans for the area. Local Community. We liaise with the local community, including schools, in order to achieve better understanding of our work and to encourage their involvement in the purposes of the National Park including Agenda 21 initiatives. Corporate Support. Includes administration, committee, financial, legal, personnel, property and translation services. 1.5.1 We believe that this Scheme is a key component of all our work and the delivery of our services to the public. 1.6 The Authority's Office The Authority's main office is at Penrhyndeudraeth. 1.6.1 We operate a Study Centre at Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog where a number of professional and vocational day and residential courses are held through the medium of both Welsh and English. 1.6.2 We have Information Centres at Aberdyfi, Beddgelert, Betws y Coed, Dolgellau and Harlech. The purpose of these Centres is to advise visitors about the National Park, its recreational opportunities and its natural assets, including its language and culture. 1.6.3 The Authority owns other properties throughout the National Park, such as warden centres, car parks and picnic sites, woodland and other recreation and amenity areas. 1.7 Responsibility for this Scheme This original Scheme was prepared by the Authority's Secretary and Solicitor in consultation with the Authority's Language Panel. Following consultation with the members, management team and union members, the Scheme was revised for the second time by the Head of Administration and Customer Care and was adopted by the Authority in February 2010. It is therefore an approved Statement of the Authority's policies and proposals. 7

1.7.1 Responsibility for implementing, monitoring and reviewing the Scheme lies with the Authority s Chief Executive. The responsibility including any actions concerning the Scheme on a day to day basis has been delegated to the Head of Administration and Customer Care; who will report annually on such matters to the Performance and Resources Committee. 1.7.2 Every Director and Head of Service will be fully aware of the Scheme s obligations, and they should ensure that these obligations are reflected in the work that their section produces and in any work that is done on their behalf by other individuals / organisations. They will also be responsible for raising awareness and promoting this Scheme with the staff within their directorate / service area. 1.7.3 Following the revision of the Scheme a new action plan has been produced. This action plan is set out under point 6.5, with a clear timetable attached to each action. 1.7.4 Anyone who wishes to contact the Authority regarding the contents of this Scheme should contact the Head of Administration and Customer Care as follows: Head of Administration and Customer Care Snowdonia National Park Authority, National Park Office, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6LF Tel.: 01766 770274 Fax: 01766 771211 E-mail: parc@eryri-npa.gov.uk 1.8 Alteration of this Scheme We will not alter this Scheme without agreement of the Welsh Language Board. 2. SERVICE PLANNING AND DELIVERY 2.1. New Policies and Initiatives 2.1.1 When the Authority prepares new policies and initiatives it will: (i) Assess the consequences of such policies on the Welsh language and its promotion when they are being formulated. The Authority will do this by adding a question on the Welsh language to the equality impact assessment toolkit. (ii) Ensure that such policies and initiatives promote and facilitate the use of Welsh wherever possible and move the Authority closer to implementing the principle of equality. 8

(iii) Ensure that such policies and initiatives are consistent with this Scheme and do not undermine it. (iv) Consult the Board in advance regarding proposals which will affect this Scheme or could affect the Schemes of other organisations. (v) The Authority is committed to supporting the Local Authorities in Gwynedd and Conwy through any work which arises out of the community strategies which contributes to the Welsh Assembly Government s vision of increasing the percentage of people who can speak Welsh. The Authority will report annually on this clause by means of the following indicator: The number and % of new plans which were the subject of a language impact assessment. 2.1.2 When new policies and initiatives are prepared and presented to the Authority for adoption they will include a note indicating that the requirements of paragraph 2.1.1 above has been addressed and the outcome. 2.1.3 The measures contained in this Scheme will, where they are applicable, be applied to new policies and initiatives when they are implemented. 2.1.4. The Authority has an important role to play in the development and revival of the Welsh language on a local and community level. The Authority has direct contact with the public in several areas of work including recreation and culture and with schools in particular. We aim to mainstream Welsh into all these areas of work by promoting the use of the language, with the aim of seeing a clear increase in the number of speakers. 2.2 Delivery of Service 2.2.1 We will deliver our services to the Public in Welsh by ensuring: (i) That staff will be appointed who are able to communicate through the medium of Welsh wherever possible in order to fulfil the requirements of the post effectively. (ii) That staff who are unable to communicate in Welsh are trained to an appropriate standard. 2.2.2 In addition, we employ professional translators and, where necessary, commission the services of translation agencies. 2.3 Services Delivered by Our Agents and Contractors 2.3.1 Although we provide a wide range of services ourselves, we also purchase the provision of support services such as insurance, architectural, building and legal support. 9

2.3.2 We will ensure that any third parties who provide services to us or to the public on our behalf do so in accordance with the relevant aspects of this Scheme and to the same high standards. 2.3.3 In order to implement this commitment we will issue contractors with a copy of this Scheme and where applicable, include a condition in the contract documents requiring contractors to comply with the relevant provisions of the Scheme. The Authority will report annually on this clause by means of the following indicator: The number and % of third party organisations that were monitored which deliver in accordance with the requirements of the Authority s Welsh Language Plan. 2.3.4 Staff who deal with agents and contractors will be provided with written guidelines on the requirements of this Scheme and will ensure that staff are observing them. 2.3.5 The Authority will monitor the implementation of this Scheme by agents and contractors by means of obtaining regular performance reports from them. 2.4 Standard of Service in Welsh 2.4.1. Our aim is to provide an equally high quality service to the Public in Welsh and English throughout the work of the Authority. We will be paying particular attention to: Preparing text in Welsh Information Technology Forms Face to face contact Promoting services 2.4.2 We will publicise this aim where appropriate on key documents such as the Complaints Procedure and any Charters or similar documents which we may produce. 2.4.3 Our aim when producing Welsh written text is to ensure accuracy of grammar and clarity of conveyance at all times. This is especially true for material released for public consumption and in the public eye. 2.4.4 We are committed to monitoring our standards and their implementation. Our employed translators will possess the necessary skills, experience and relevant qualifications which are required to maintain the highest standards possible; and we will ensure that any individual / company which we use externally for translation services are of the same standard. 2.4.5 The computer package Cysgliad is available on every staff member s computer, to assist them in the creation of Welsh text. In addition, the 10

Authority s translators are available to check any work produced by staff, before it is published. 2.4.6 We are committed to training our staff in relation to the nature of the Welsh Language Scheme, what we expect of them, and their contribution to its implementation. 3. DEALING WITH THE WELSH-SPEAKING PUBLIC 3.1 Letters 3.1.1 We welcome correspondence form the Public in either Welsh or English, whichever the writer prefers. 3.1.2 When we receive a letter in Welsh the writer will receive a signed reply in Welsh (either personally or electronically signed). 3.1.3 It is our intention that corresponding with us in Welsh should not be the cause of delay in replying. Any letters in Welsh will be answered according to the targets set on answering corporate letters. 3.1.4 When we send a letter following a meeting or a telephone conversation which was held in Welsh our letter will also be in Welsh. 3.1.5 When we initiate correspondence: (i) Letters to Public Authorities in Wales will be in Welsh (or in both Welsh and English if there is a particular reason for including an English version). (ii) If a member of the public requests an English translation of any consultation response to another Public Authority, we will provide the translation if the consultation discusses issues which relate to the applicant e.g. planning application to another Authority, applications for drinks licence etc. (iii) Letters to an individual will be: In the language which that individual prefers if we know what it is; otherwise, in both Welsh and English. (iv) Circular and Standard letters will be in both Welsh and English. 3.2 Telephone Communications 3.2.1 We welcome telephone calls from the Public in either Welsh or English. 3.2.2 Telephone calls will be answered in a way which facilitates the caller proceeding in either Welsh or English. That is to say, calls will be answered bilingually - in Welsh followed by English or by the officer who answers the telephone call merely stating his/her name. 11

3.2.3 The message on individual staff voice mail will be bilingual in Welsh first followed by English. 3.2.4 The majority of our staff are able to converse in Welsh. If they are unable to communicate at a standard commensurate with the telephone call they will either: (i) transfer the call to a Welsh-speaking member of staff without inconvenience, delay or in such a manner as to cause offence, or (ii) arrange for a Welsh-speaking member of staff to return the call. 3.2.5 In the case of where the member of staff answering the call is a learner, they are encouraged to use and practice their Welsh. 3.2.6 When the Public are invited to contact a member of staff (e.g. on a public advertisement) the name of a Welsh-speaking Officer will be included. 3.2.7 All the staff that work at the main reception are bilingual, to ensure a complete telephone service through the medium of Welsh. 3.2.8 All the staff that work in front line jobs are able to communicate in both Welsh and English to an acceptable standard e.g. reception staff at Plas Tan y Bwlch, Wardens, Information Centre Staff. 3.3 Public Meetings 3.3.1 In all meetings of the Authority, including its Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups etc., the Welsh and English languages have the same status and validity. Welsh is the main language of these meetings, but all persons have the right to speak in either Welsh or English whichever they prefer, and our Standing Orders which are issued to every Member provide accordingly. 3.3.2 As well as meetings of the Authority, we also convene public meetings such as Planning Inquiries. Simultaneous translation will be provided at all public meetings, inquiries etc. 3.3.3 In order to meet our commitments, permanent translation facilities have been installed in our main office and at our Study Centre at Plas Tan y Bwlch. We also have a portable translation system and a professional translator on our staff who is able to undertake simultaneous translation. 3.3.4 Where simultaneous translation facilities are provided at public meetings for the benefit of non Welsh speakers, the Authority will encourage its Welsh speaking Members/Officers to speak Welsh in order to encourage the natural use of both Welsh and English in the Authority's meetings with the public. 12

3.3.5 In all meetings of the Authority, including its Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Working Groups etc. the agenda and any associated documents prepared by the Authority will be bilingual. 3.4 Other Meetings 3.4.1 We also convene formal and informal meetings with other bodies e.g. meetings are held each year with Community Councils within the National Park. We also hold annual liaison meetings with farmers, outdoor pursuit centres etc. Informal meetings held with other organisations or individual members of the public will be held in the language which members of such organisations or individuals prefer. The Authority can guarantee face to face meetings in Welsh on every occasion. 3.4.2 Our reception staff are Welsh-speaking and will greet visitors in a way which enables them to use the language which they prefer. 3.5 Liaison with Schools and the Community 3.5.1 Our Education Officers, Community Liaison Officer and Bwrlwm Officer visits schools and communities and advises them of the services which we provide and the fact that they are provided through the medium of both Welsh and English. 3.5.2 In order to assist with the recruitment of Welsh speakers in the long-term they will brief careers advisers, schools, colleges and other organisations on the staff complement of the Authority and its skills requirements. They will visit local secondary schools and colleges and attend careers conventions in order to explain the Authority's arrangements for recruiting. 3.5.3 The Authority is eager to encourage bilingual people to take up specialist fields of study which is relevant to the Authority s work. This would also contribute to the use of the Welsh language in specialist fields. 3.6 Other Dealings with the Public 3.6.1 We will ensure that when interviews are given to the media by Members or Officers, such interviews are given in either the Welsh or English languages or both according to the wishes of the interviewer. 3.6.2 The provisions of this Scheme relating to communication with the public will also apply to other existing and future means of communication such as e- mail, video conferencing links etc. 3.6.3 The Authority s website will be completely bilingual, the website address will be bilingual and where touch screen technology is used, the service will be prepared bilingually. When it is published, the Authority will consider adopting Web 2.0, which is the Board s good practice guidance on creating websites. 13

3.6.4 The standard disclaimer at the end of each e-mail is bilingual, along with any automatic signature and out of office messages. 3.6.5 The Authority will ensure that both languages will be treated equally within our Information Technology systems. In order to develop Information Technology systems that treats both languages equally, the Authority will look at adopting the Welsh Language Board s Standards on Information Technology within the Authority s Information Technology Strategy. 3.6.6 The Authority will endeavour to ensure that staff who come into contact with the public outside the offices are bilingual. Examples of the types of contacts are, site visits by planning officers, compliance officers and agricultural officers; contact with wardens etc. 3.6.7 As all the Authority s public materials are bilingual along with the majority of staff being bilingual, numerous opportunities exist to encourage and facilitate the use of the Welsh language by the public. 4. THE AUTHORITY'S PUBLIC FACE 4.1 Corporate Identity 4.1.1 We are a Welsh Authority, but we use English according to demand. 4.1.2 Our standard information is also published in both Welsh and English including letter and fax headings, publications, signs, business cards, identification badges, compliment slips etc. 4.1.3 Any information placed on our land, buildings, vehicles, goods and materials is in both Welsh and English. 4.1.4 It is our intention that our existing practice should continue. 4.2 Signs 4.2.1 Any signs erected on our property containing wording ensures that the Welsh and English appear side by side. If this is not possible, the Welsh text will appear above the English text. This includes any temporary signs e.g. when building or maintenance work is taking place. 4.2.2 We ensure that the Welsh and English text is the same quality, size, legibility and prominence. 14

4.3 Publishing and Printing 4.3.1 We publish a free newspaper, Eryri/Snowdonia, which is mainly targeted at visitors. All publications such as this are fully bilingual. 4.3.2 All other material which we publish and print is also produced in both Welsh and English. This includes books, pamphlets, design guides, forms, agendas, minutes, development plans, press releases, annual report, corporate plan, invitations, posters, licences, cards, bills, receipts, maps, etc. 4.3.3 Whenever possible material is included in both Welsh and English in the same document. 4.3.4 Occasionally it is impractical to include material in both Welsh and English in the same document. When this happens we still ensure that both the Welsh and English versions are equally accessible and are issued at the same time and they will carry a message confirming that the document is available in the other language. Where we make a charge, we charge the same price for both versions. 4.3.5 When we commission material which is intended for publication we will issue these guidelines to those who are undertaking the work. 4.3.6 Where documents are published jointly with bodies in England, we will ensure that the bilingual version will appear in Wales at the same time as the English version is published in England and will be of equal quality. 4.3.7 All the forms produced by the Authority are bilingual. We try and encourage the use of the forms in Welsh by setting the Welsh and English text side by side or the English text under the Welsh, so that learners or people who are unfamiliar with Welsh terms can compare both languages easily. 4.3.8 As our second statutory purpose is to promote opportunities for the public to enjoy and understand the special characteristics of the area, we are working towards achieving this by ensuring that Welsh and English appears side by side. 4.4 Official Notices, Public Notices and Staff Recruitment Advertisements 4.4.1 We are required from time to time to publish official notices e.g. applications for planning permission for development which does not accord with the development plan. Such notices are published bilingually with the Welsh appearing first. (i) Recruitment advertisements, however, will be published in Welsh only for jobs for which Welsh is essential (with an explanatory statement in English in bilingual publications). (ii) If no suitable Welsh speaking applicant applies, jobs will be readvertised in Welsh and English with a condition of appointment that 15

(iii) the successful applicant must reach a specific standard in Welsh within a defined time. Advertisements for any other jobs will be published in Welsh only in Welsh language publications and bilingually in bilingual publications. 4.5 Advertising, Publicity etc. 4.5.1 All advertising, publicity, exhibitions and displays and any public surveys will be undertaken in Welsh only or in Welsh and English. The linguistic balance of these activities will vary according to the target audience and nature of the activities. 4.6 Legal Documents 4.6.1 In the course of our work we enter a range of legal documents with other parties such as conveyances and leases and planning agreements. 4.6.2 When we complete and sign a legal document with another party, the document will be in Welsh or English or in both languages according to the wishes of the other party. However, if the other party is a statutory body in Wales, we will expect that the Welsh language will be treated equally to English, and as a result legal documents will be produced according to language scheme of that statutory body. 4.6.3 Public legal documents (e.g. bylaws) will be bilingual. 4.7 Layout 4.7.1 When we publish any document such as a notice, advertisement, pamphlet etc. we ensure that the Welsh and English texts are shown together wherever practical, and are equal in terms of format, size, quality, legibility and prominence. 4.7.2 Wherever practical documents are printed with the Welsh and English text side by side or back to back. Where one text follows the other, Welsh will precede. 5. IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME 5.1 Recruitment 5.1.1 As a Public Authority which delivers services in an area where Welsh is the predominant language of the local community, and in order to prepare services of high quality and effectiveness to the Welsh speaking public, the Authority aims to ensure that every member of its staff to be able to communicate in Welsh in order to provide a full service. 16

5.1.2 When a post becomes vacant or a new post is created the Authority will assess the linguistic ability necessary to undertake the duties of that post. ("Linguistic ability" means the ability to communicate in Welsh and English). 5.1.3 When linguistic ability is considered essential or desirable for a particular post this will be stated when recruiting to the post. 5.1.4 Where the ability to communicate in Welsh is considered to be essential but no suitable candidate applies the Authority may re-advertise the post but indicate that it may appoint a person to the post with a requirement that he/she reaches a specified standard in Welsh by a specified date (not exceeding two years), which is monitored by the Head of Personnel. Support for language training will be given in accordance with the following provisions. 5.2 Language Training 5.2.1 The Authority strongly encourages staff who cannot communicate in Welsh to learn the language and learners to improve their skills. In both cases the Authority allows Officers reasonable time off to attend language courses, the cost of which is met by the Authority from the training budget. It also provides an "in-house" mentoring scheme for learners and improvement courses in Welsh and English for staff who already have linguistic ability. Priority for language training will be given to those staff who have to improve their language skills as part of their job contract. 5.2.2 Any staff member or manager can bring up Welsh proficiency in their annual appraisal. In general, training needs are identified as part of the induction process, which is then incorporated into personal development plans. 5.2.3 To lessen the demand on the Authority s translators and to encourage increased confidence for staff to produce written work in Welsh, the Authority will arrange and pay for improvement courses for specified staff (who will be identified via the annual appraisal process). 5.2.4 Progress on Welsh language training is monitored by the Head of Personnel in order to ensure that the Authority has a sufficient number of staff with the necessary skills to fulfil its duties. The Head of Personnel will report annually to the Performance and Resources Committee. 5.2.5 To ensure that all new Staff of the Authority are familiar with the Language Scheme and their obligations within it, the Head of Administration and Customer Care will conduct an awareness session with all new members of staff, in addition to the present induction. 5.3 Vocational and Professional Training 5.3.1 The Authority is committed to the development of its staff. Staff are encouraged to undertake training courses through the medium of Welsh, 17

where the appropriate courses exist, and "in-house" training is delivered through the medium of Welsh or is bilingual. 5.3.2 During the lifetime of this Scheme the Authority will look into the possibility of working jointly with other local authorities to develop training for planners on interpreting language impact assessments, which are received by developers as part of their application seeking planning permission on a substantial development. 5.4 Administrative Arrangements 5.4.1 This Scheme has the full support of the Authority and its Management Team. 5.4.2 The overall responsibility for implementing the Scheme within the Authority rests with the Chief Executive, with the monitoring duties delegated to the Head of Administration and Customer Care, who will make sure that steps are taken to: - monitor implementation of the Scheme - consider any complaints about the implementation of the Scheme and find ways of resolving any difficulties - provide an annual report on implementation to the Performance and Resources Committee. 5.4.3 The Directors will ensure that the Heads of each service area and the remainder of the staff are familiar with the Scheme, how it should be implemented and what is expected of them. 5.4.4 Individual Heads of Service will have the responsibility for implementing those parts of the Scheme which fall within their areas of responsibility. 5.4.5 A copy of the Scheme will be available in every work place including the website, for use by our staff and the public who use our services. 5.4.6 Written guidelines area available for staff on how to implement the Scheme. 5.4.7 With the evolution of new information technology it is important to ensure that new programmes are able to implement the provisions of this Scheme and this is addressed in our I.T. Strategy. In particular we will ensure that new and existing programmes are able to accommodate symbols peculiar to the Welsh language and that Welsh fonts are made available to all members of staff connected to the network. 5.4.8 Our professional translators are vital to the successful implementation of this Scheme and we will ensure that they receive suitable continuous professional development training in order to provide a high quality service. 5.4.9 To ensure quality, the written work produced by both internal and external translators will be monitored periodically. 18

5.4.10 Welsh is the main language for internal operations. The Authority's normal administrative processes are already carried out through the medium of Welsh or in both Welsh and English e.g. many internal memoranda, minutes of the management team and section heads meetings, instructions to staff, administrative forms etc. 5.5 Use of Welsh by other parties 5.5.1 We will encourage other parties in their use of Welsh, e.g. by: offering advice encouraging applicants to erect bilingual signs on premises such as offices, shops, hotels, etc. and drawing their attention to grants that may be available for that purpose in line with national planning policies and the planning policies of the Authority Including appropriate polices in the National Park Management Plan Promoting the use of Welsh place-names, rivers, mountains etc 5.5.2 Grants When administrating grants for organisations the Authority will: consider including Welsh language criteria within applications forms, as well as recommendations on the type of activities that can be prepared bilingually; ensure that organisations pay attention to the need to assist and promote the use of the Welsh language; where organisations arrange public events or activities for the public, ensure that they are bilingual as far as is practicable; and ensure that the grant scheme complies with the Welsh Language Scheme. Our grant application forms (including any explanatory notes), systems for assessing grant applications, letters offering grant aid and any monitoring systems will give consideration to the language, if appropriate. 5.5.3 Partnerships The Authority works in partnership with public bodies, organisations from the voluntary sector and other agencies. The Authority works on many levels when working with others: (i) When the Authority is the leader within a partnership, it will ensure that the public service provision is compliant with the Welsh Language Scheme. (ii) When the Authority joins a partnership in which another body is leading, the Authority s input to the partnership will comply with the Welsh Language Scheme and the Authority will expect other parties to comply, where appropriate. (iii) When the Authority is a partner in a consortium, it will encourage the consortium to adopt a bilingual policy. When acting publicly in the name of the consortium, the Authority will act in accordance with its Welsh Language Scheme. 19

When the Authority joins or forms a partnership, it will ask prospective partners about their Welsh Language Schemes, Language policies or the means by which they will operate bilingually. Within any partnership, the Authority will offer advice and support to the other partner organisations. 6. MONITORING THE SCHEME 6.1 Monitoring This is the procedure for reporting on compliance with the Scheme over the next three years. The annual Monitoring Report to the Board will seek to achieve the following aims:- (i) To assess whether Snowdonia National Park Authority is conforming to the Scheme (ii) To measure the quality of frontline services through the medium of Welsh (iii) To measure whether the management / administration of the Scheme is adequate (iv) To measure the adequacy of its language skills by comparing need and resource (v) A chapter on mainstreaming (vi) Analysis of the Authority s performance according to priority / target 6.1.2 The Authority will summarise its findings in the form of a brief narrative (with evidence) to be submitted to the Board and will identify any fundamental weaknesses / risks, and draw up an action plan of corrective measures, together with a timetable. The Authority will also draw attention to progress, good practice and compliance levels. Where there are weaknesses, an action / development plan shall be agreed with the Board. The Authority will monitor the operation of the Scheme side by side with the implementation dates, and will constantly measure to what extent the aims of the Scheme have been achieved. We will also welcome any ideas on how to improve the Scheme. 6.2 Responsibility The Head of Administration and Customer Care is responsible for monitoring the Scheme. 6.3 Public Opinion The Authority will conduct periodic opinion surveys to test the views of the Public about the use of Welsh in the provision of our services. 20

6.4 Publishing Information We will publish information in our Business and Improvement Plan regarding (a) the percentage of staff able to communicate in Welsh, (b) comparing performance with standards and targets set out in this Scheme (c) explaining the reasons for not meeting any published standards and targets and the steps to be taken to put matters right. We will look at a wide range of information to measure our performance against the scheme, but these will be our main performance indicators: PI 1: Front Line Services The number and % of posts in the main reception, contact centres or one stop shops that been designated Welsh essential and that were filled by bilingual staff. PI 2: Human Resources - Skills (a) The number and % of staff who have received Welsh language training to a specific qualification level. (b) The number and % of staff who have received language awareness training. PI 3: Human Resources Equality and Diversity The number and % of staff within the Authority s services who are able to speak Welsh - according to service division - according to post grades - according to workplace PI 4: The Standard of Welsh Language Services The number of complaints received in relation to the operation of the language scheme and the % dealt with in accordance to the Authority s corporate standards. PI 5: New Policies and Initiatives The number and % of new plans which were the subject of a language impact assessment. PI 6: Service Provided by Other Contractors The number and % of third party organisations that were monitored which deliver in accordance with the requirements of the Authority s Welsh Language Plan. 21

6.5 Action Plan: Targets and Timetable We are a bilingual Authority and already administer most of the provisions of this Scheme. Those matters which are not currently administered, will be implemented in accordance with the implementation dates shown below. 6.5.1 Ascertain public opinion and perception on the implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme. Implementation Date: December 2011 Responsible Officer: Head of Administration and Customer Care PI: Survey results 6.5.2 Include the Welsh language as an element of the equality impact assessment toolkit. Implementation Date: December 2010 Responsible Officer: Equality Team PI: Revised impact assessment toolkit 6.5.3 Create a programme of plans that will be subject to an impact assessment during the lifetime of this scheme. Implementation Date: December 2010 Responsible Officer: Equality Team PI: A programme of policies created 6.5.4 Report in full on the 6 performance indicators referred to above. Implementation Date: Annually in the monitoring report Responsible Officer: Head of Administration and Customer Care PI: Annual monitoring report 6.5.5 Research into the possibility of holding training on assessing and interpreting results of language impact assessments. Implementation Date: During the life of the scheme Responsible Officer: Head of Personnel in conjunction with the planning directorate PI: Course held 6.6 Publicity for the Revised Scheme 6.6.1 We will arrange on an initial and continuing basis for a copy of this Scheme to be distributed to: (i) All our offices, where copies will be available for both staff and members of the Public (ii) To every Member of the Authority (iii) Public libraries within the National Park (iv) Public Authorities which operate within the National Park (v) Contractors who provide services to the Authority or on our behalf (vi) The Authority s website 22

6.6.2 We will publicise the fact that we have adopted this Scheme and that we provide our services through the medium of both Welsh and English by means of: A press release Reference in our Annual Report 6.7 Suggestions We welcome any suggestions on how our provision of services in Welsh can be improved. Observations should be sent to the Head of Administration and Customer Care. Any views received will be reported to the Performance and Resources Committee. 6.8 Complaints 6.8.1 A complaint is defined as following: An expression of dissatisfaction with a service provided by the Authority which requires a response, and for which there is no alternative appeal procedure. 6.8.2 Complaints regarding the service provided in Welsh or the failure to act within this Language Scheme, will be dealt with under the Authority s official complaints procedure. 6.8.3 We hope that we will not give you cause to complain. If you feel that we are falling short of the commitments that we have made in this Scheme, we hope that you, the Members of the Public, will tell us. If you do have a complaint about the Authority's services in Welsh please write to the: Head of Administration and Customer Care, Snowdonia National Park Authority, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6LF. 6.8.4 A response to any complaint will be given within 15 working days. 6.8.5 If you feel that our response to your complaint is not satisfactory then you could take the matter up with the Welsh Language Board. 23

7. CONCLUSION By ensuring compliance with this Scheme we aim to: Continue and develop the bilingual nature of the Authority which already prevails. Ensure that the Welsh language is fostered and encouraged and receives equality. Provide a high standard of service to the public through the medium of both Welsh and English. Contribute towards the Welsh Assembly Government s vision of a truly bilingual Wales. 7.1 Investigation If the Board is required to carry out an Investigation under Section 17 of the Act, the Authority will be prepared to fully cooperate by providing information reports, documents or clarification - to the Welsh Language Board. The Authority will be prepared to do this in both written and verbal forms and the Board will be able to have discussions with: Elected members; Snowdonia National Park Authority employees; Contracted service providers and their employees; Any individual that assists the Authority in the delivery of its services. 24