Promoting our efforts to support the Welsh language

Our efforts to promote the Welsh language were highlighted at a language conference in Cardiff today.

Aled Davies, our Head of Governance was part of a panel at the conference organised by the Welsh Language Commissioner to promote the Welsh Language Standards that will be introduced to the housing sector.

At the conference there were presentations about the role of the Welsh Language Commissioner, promotion the language, sharing experiences and implementation of the Language Standards.

Aled said: “It was great to have the opportunity to speak in front of a number of other organizations to discuss our experience of using the Welsh language.   The language is an important part of our culture and we use every opportunity to promote the use of our Welsh language services, whether that is supporting annual national campaigns or promoting the Welsh language within the workplace.

“Welsh is a language for everyone, as well as a statutory language in Wales and it is very important that Welsh institutions treat Welsh and English equally.  We’re talking about human rights, and ensuring bilingual provision is essential for housing associations that provide homes for a high percentage of Welsh residents.

“We’re also passionate about promoting the language and helping to reach Welsh Government’s target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050.  We believe that the biggest difference can be made if organisations work together,  giving people confidence to use the language they have.

“The Language Standards will come into force in the near future and we must all step up to ensure that our services comply with the standards.  This is something that we should promote as a sector, and the work should not be viewed as a process of compliance, but rather, as a process that will ensure that we offer a service of the best possible quality to our customers,and ensure a bright future for the Welsh language”.