Operational Standards

We have resources available for employees and managers, to support the implementation of the operational standards.

Dedicated Welsh Language Standards page on our intranet

The Councils Intranet Welsh language information and resources page will be fully reviewed ready for transition to the new Intranet pages due to go live in July 2026.

Information and resources will include:

Legislation: Standards and Code of Practice
Other guidelines and templates
Welsh language skills self-assessment guidelines
Welsh language courses
Welsh language learning resources
Supplementary guidance for managers & senior officers
Internal use of Welsh policy.
Policy on Awarding Grants and Application Form

Human Resources (HR) Information and Resources

The Human Resources section of the Intranet contains the following resources:

Policies, Procedures and Resources - Internal Policies, Procedures and Guidance (in English and Welsh as applicable)

Recruitment policy and procedure documents are provided in English and Welsh including the Recruitment, Apprenticeship, Work Experience and Volunteer policies.

HR Recruitment - guidance including Welsh Language Standards Requirements, for HR Advisors and Service Managers.

The Council’s Recruitment Policy was updated in 2024 and confirms all documentation will be equally available in the English and Welsh languages. It contains reference to the Welsh Language Standards when drafting the person specification for a vacancy, and that consideration must be given to the need for the ability to communicate in the Welsh language. This is especially important for posts which feature, or are likely to feature, contact with the Council’s customers. It recommends that the linguistic skill required should be clearly defined, and sufficient and appropriate weighting applied.

The policy confirms that candidates have the right to use the Welsh language at interview, and at any other part of the selection process, and simultaneous translation service (from Welsh to English), can be provided if necessary.

Recruiting Managers must apply “track changes” for any amendments to Job Descriptions to enable HR to review the Job Allocation and allow the Welsh Job Descriptions to be updated accordingly.

The recruitment process web page describes the steps required before beginning recruitment and what questions need to be given consideration. This page refers to the Welsh Language Standards and Recruitment Standard 136 where you must assess the need for Welsh language skills, and categorise the skills level required:

(a) Welsh language skills are essential
(b) Welsh language skills need to be learnt when appointed to the post
(c) Welsh language skills are desirable
(d) Welsh language skills are not necessary.

The exception to this is reception service posts, these posts must be designated as 'Welsh Language Essential'. Details are provided on the web page about these posts.

A number of steps have also been taken to help improve Welsh language standards across the organisation. Our focus has been on making it easier to recognise and respond to staff preferences, including improving the HR (ESS) system so that requesting correspondence in Welsh is more straightforward and user-friendly. We have also updated our HR systems to include a clear ‘Welsh’ indicator, ensuring we are notified when correspondence such as letters or contracts of employment should be issued in Welsh. In addition, we have communicated with all staff via email to invite them to submit their preferences, and we continue to reinforce this through a monthly reminder included in payslip emails, encouraging staff to opt for Welsh correspondence if they wish.

Performance appraisal process

In line with our commitment to promoting a bilingual workplace and supporting our Welsh-speaking colleagues, all associated documents, and resources for the performance appraisal process (Feedback, Focus and Future) launched in 2025-26 are available in Welsh. This ensures that everyone can engage fully with the appraisal process in their preferred language.

Internal use of Welsh policy

A full review of the policy will be undertaken in 2026-27 which will use the information gathered from the review of the current Welsh Language Strategy 2021-26 including any emerging themes identified. This will be supported by the Welsh Language Commissioners Internal Use of Welsh Guidance and ongoing work in this area.

Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26