Welsh Language Standards

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 is the legislation that created Welsh language standards.

Welsh language standards promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language and ensure that the Welsh language is not treated less favourably than the English language in Wales. The Measure also makes Welsh an official language in Wales.

The Welsh Language Standards that the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee is required to meet are listed in our Compliance Notice which was issued on 16h August 2024.  

Corporate Joint Committees are subject to the Welsh Language Standards in the same way as its constituent councils and other public service organisations in Wales.

The Corporate Joint Committees (Amendment of Schedule 6 to the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011) Regulations 2021 amended the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, adding CJCs to the list bodies and categories of bodies that must comply with the standards.

The standards set clear expectations on how CJCs must provide services in Welsh to our partners, stakeholders and the public as well as how we must promote the use of the language through our services.

There are 176 standards covering a broad range of activities, all grouped into the five key areas:

• Service delivery standards
• Policy making standards
• Operational standards
• Promotion standards
• Record keeping standards

The Welsh Language Commissioner is not obliged to require the CJC to comply with every standard, but the majority will be applicable.

Furthermore, the Welsh Language Commissioner has a statutory duty to monitor organisations’ compliance with the Welsh Language Standards and investigate complaints and breaches in compliance. It is within its power to impose enforcement action, legal action and fines.

For further information on the Welsh language standards at the CJC, please contact info@ambitionnorth.wales