The Scheme has received the approval of The Welsh Language Commissioner under section 14 (1) of the Act, on 3 April 2014

Coleg Cambria has adopted the principle that in the conduct of public business in Wales, it will treat the English and Welsh languages on a basis of equality.

This Scheme sets out how Coleg Cambria will give effect to that principle when providing services to the public in Wales.

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1 INTRODUCTION

Following the merger of Deeside College and Yale College on 1 August 2013 a new Welsh Language Scheme has been developed for the new merged college, Coleg Cambria. The name Coleg Cambria was carefully chosen as we are very committed to being “a college for Wales”, and immensely proud to be a truly Welsh institution in North East Wales. This is a strong feature in our Core Values and is demonstrated through the development of this Welsh Language Scheme. We are fully committed to champion bilingualism, Welsh culture and heritage.

This Welsh Language Scheme is based on the original schemes of both Deeside College and Yale College but has taken into consideration the guidelines provided by the Welsh Language Commissioner on Welsh Language Schemes for FE Colleges, the Welsh-medium Education Strategy, the National Strategy on Bilingualism in FE and ColegauCymru’s recommendations on how to respond to the three strands of the Strategy.

2. COLLEGE PROFILE

2.1 Coleg Cambria is fully committed to promoting Welsh Language and culture.

2.2 It is one of the UK’s largest colleges employing more than 1,600 staff, with over 7,000 full time students and 20,000 part time learners, with international links covering four continents.

2.3 The college has six sites, three in Wrexham and the others at Connah’s Quay, Northop and Llysfasi, which include a 1000 acre farm, a state of the art animal care centre, two restaurants, a centre of excellence for Engineering, a public art gallery and Flintshire County Council Corporate Training Centre.

2.4 It offers learning from pre-entry to HNC and foundation degree for a range of students including full time, work-based learners, apprentices and part time community learners.

2.5 The college serves an area which includes three local authorities with a population of almost 400,000 which represents more than 12% of the population of Wales.

2.5.1 Flintshire Flintshire’s location, on the border in North East Wales, is unique, and it has an area that measures 438 square kilometres. The county prides itself in its flourishing industrial areas and the pattern of prosperous settlements which maintains its increasing population. According to the 2011 census, Flintshire serves a resident population of 146,940, with 19,343 Welsh speakers. Flintshire has one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the UK with a range of industries including Motor Vehicles, Food, Aerospace, Steel and Renewable Energy. This includes large multinational companies like Toyota, Airbus and Vion. The County also supports a broad range of service and retail industries.

2.5.2 Denbighshire Denbighshire is located in North East Wales and borders five other local authorities. According to the 2011 census, 90,527 people live in Denbighshire with 22,236 Welsh speakers; this represents 24.6% of the population aged 3

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years and over. The distribution of the population varies significantly in the county with an urban strip by the seaside towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn and a mainly rural area in the rest of the county with many important local market towns, for example Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen. Coleg Cambria serves the county’s inland rural area. Denbighshire’s economy has a varied range of sectors. The north of the county has blue chip employers like Honeywell and Tyco together with the tourist industry around the traditional seaside resorts where the Leisure industry continues to be one of the main employers. Further south, Denbighshire is mainly rural in nature with agriculture being a key sector.

2.5.3 Wrexham County Borough Wrexham is situated a few miles from the border with England and it’s a natural business centre for North Wales. Wrexham encompasses an area of 50,500 hectares and includes one of the largest towns in North Wales. According to the 2011 census, Wrexham has a population of 129,425 with 16,659 Welsh speakers; this represents 12.9% of the population aged 3 years and over. The Wrexham economy has been transformed over the past twenty years from being one which was dominated by heavy and traditional industries to the main focus of manufacturing, technology and services with companies like Kellogs, JCB, Moneypenny and Tritech situated there.

2.6 Although the college mainly operates in the areas of Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham local authorities, learners travel from neighbouring counties to use the provision. Some travel from other counties in Wales like Gwynedd and Powys and others travel into Wales from adjacent counties in England. The college attracts students from three Welsh medium high schools namely Morgan Llwyd, Maes Garmon and Glan Clwyd together with many bilingual schools including Dinas Bran, Brynhyfryd and Ysgol y Berwyn.

2.7 It appears that the majority of the Welsh speaking students who attended Welsh medium education in Wrexham and Flintshire developed their language skills in school rather than at home or in the community. Learners who come from areas further west and those who attended bilingual schools, especially those from Denbighshire and Gwynedd, are more likely to use the language in various situations. Some students will be familiar and skilled having previously learnt in a bilingual environment; others will have experienced learning in a solely Welsh medium environment and won’t of necessity continue to pursue Welsh opportunities when presented in a bilingual context.

2.8 Most of the college’s learners have only experienced Welsh as a second language subject in pre-16 education. Some learners from over the border have no knowledge of Welsh whatsoever although they may be on study programmes where Welsh is a proven employability skill.

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3 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING / SERVICE PLANNING AND DELIVERY

3.1 Responsibility for implementation and monitoring

3.1.1 This Scheme has been prepared by the Corporate Communications & Bilingual Manager who reports on progress and issues to the Principal/Chief Executive who has overall responsibility for the monitoring of the Scheme.

3.1.2 The implementation and monitoring of the Scheme will be the responsibility of the Corporate Communications & Bilingual Manager. All managers at the college are required to promote bilingualism within their curriculum and functional areas. Progress on the actions in the Scheme and related issues are reviewed on a weekly basis. A Welsh and Bilingual Curriculum Development Group will be set up with the remit of formulating and implementing a Welsh-medium and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan. Task and finish groups will be set up in functional and business support areas to address actions and issues relating to Welsh

language developments. The college also has a Bilingual Teaching and Learning

Group consisting of bilingual lecturers and tutors which meets once a term - its terms of reference include supporting the college’s commitment to the implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme; sharing good practice regarding bilingual classroom delivery; supporting and encouraging bilingual/Welsh initiatives and events across the college and raising the profile and highlight the success of celebrating Wales at the college.

3.1.3 Anyone wishing to contact Coleg Cambria regarding the content of the Scheme should contact the Corporate Communications & Bilingual Manager: Coleg Cambria, Grove Park Road, Wrexham, LL12 7AB Tel 01978 317320 E-mail: [email protected]

3.2 The Scheme’s Administrative Arrangements

3.2.1 A Bilingual Development Team (BDT) has been established to propose, discuss, develop and evaluate new ideas and activities, prioritising objectives to ensure the growth and development of bilingualism under the scheme. They will monitor the implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme across the six college sites and report findings at their weekly meetings.

3.2.2 All guidelines relating to the Scheme are published on the college intranet and on Moodle thus ensuring that staff and students understand that the needs of providing a bilingual service are considered when formulating new policies and initiatives. Regular training sessions will be provided to staff on any developments relating to Welsh and bilingual initiatives and policies.

3.2.3 New members of staff will continue to have a detailed induction to the relevance of the Scheme and their responsibilities relating to it. They will also follow a short Agored course in Using Welsh in the Workplace which includes an element of language awareness and references to the requirements of the Scheme.

3.2.4 The Corporate Communications & Bilingual Manager (CCBM) will regularly address the college’s strategic team meetings on matters relating to the requirements of the Scheme and is required to give an account of progress on projected outcomes as part of the college’s self-assessment procedures. The college will require all departments to incorporate the principles from the Welsh

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Language Scheme within their plans and reports. The CCBM will attend Directorate meetings to update staff on issues and developments relating to bilingualism. All existing members of staff are also required to follow the Using Welsh in the Workplace short course according to their linguistic needs. The Scheme’s targets are also reflected within the college’s Annual Operating Statements and Strategic Plan.

3.2.5 The college has a Translation Unit and the translation service will continue to facilitate the implementation of the Scheme and promote bilingual teaching, study and administration. The Translation Unit is working to develop a large database of Welsh medium/bilingual resources available in the college and raise the awareness of all the staff of the available resources on a regular basis.

3.2.6 The Scheme will be approved by and carry the full authority of the college’s Governing Body.

3.3 New Policies and Initiatives

3.3.1 The college will consult with the Welsh Language Commissioner concerning any new developments likely to affect the Scheme, and will not amend the contents of the Scheme without the prior agreement of the Commissioner. All new policies and initiatives will be consistent with the Scheme and will not undermine it.

3.3.2 The college will assess the linguistic consequences of any new policies or ventures with a view to promoting and facilitating the use of Welsh wherever possible.

3.3.3 The college will ensure that any consultants or members of staff responsible for the formation of policy will be aware of the Language Scheme and the college’s responsibilities under the Welsh Language Act. All staff will receive briefing sessions to raise their awareness of the Scheme and inform them of their responsibilities. Information on the Scheme will be placed on the staff intranet pages and photocopied summaries of the main requirements and principles of the scheme will also be distributed. Managers responsible for implementing particular aspects of the Scheme will also receive additional specific training. The Corporate Communications & Bilingual Manager will support staff with this process and monitor compliance.

3.4 Third Party Compliance

3.4.1 The college will follow the recommendations and advice provided by the Welsh Language Commissioner on public service contracts and the Welsh language.

3.4.2 Suppliers or contractors and their employees who provide services to and on behalf of the college will be required to abide by the standards set out within this Scheme.

3.4.3 The college will ensure a commitment from contractors that the agent can, will and does implement any applicable elements of the college’s Scheme when providing services to the public on its behalf or under its supervision.

3.4.4 The college will ensure that tendering documents, contracts, grant conditions and agreements with third parties are consistent with the terms of the Welsh Language Scheme and makes it a requirement to operate in accordance with the

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Scheme. This will be monitored by the Deputy Principal Corporate & Commercial Services who has overall responsibility for the sub-contracting or third party arrangements.

3.4.5 When the college 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 college will act in accordance with its Welsh Language Scheme.

3.4.6 When the college 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 college will offer advice and support to the other partner organisations.

3.4.7 Various services provided on behalf of the college may be operated by other organisations such as contractors, consultants, agencies, firms and individuals. All agreements and arrangements for external organisations of this nature to undertake the provision of services to the public in Wales on its behalf will comply fully with the terms and requirements of this Scheme.

3.4.8 Guidance is provided to all staff dealing with third parties.

3.5 Staffing Issues

3.5.1 The college aims to increase the number of staff who are able to work bilingually. The results of the linguistic skills survey in 2013 show that 5% of the administrative staff and 10% of the academic staff are fluent Welsh speakers.

3.5.2 In order to develop the potential of delivering Welsh medium and bilingual education and training together with enriching the Welsh ethos, the college will adopt a Linguistic Skills Strategy. This strategy will form part of the college’s Human Resources and Professional Development Strategy and an integral part of its staff development policy, its Investors in People status and its responsibilities in accordance with the Equality Act.

3.5.3 Implementing the Strategy will start with analysing the results of the annual linguistic skills survey which will form a skills baseline for the college to improve upon and develop. The survey will discover the staff’s oral and literacy skills in the Welsh language in accordance with the five stated Language Skills Levels (Level 0-4) together with their location (within Directorships and Service areas). This will be the starting point for skills which the college will need to develop and progress.

3.5.4 A bilingual skills target will be set for the college to increase the number of bilingual staff in the medium to long-term which will reflect the required skills levels and their location across directorships and service areas. This target will vary according to the existing skills within the directorships and service areas.

3.5.5 Each new post (together with existing vacant posts) will be considered according to the linguistic skills strategy. The college’s Managers will consult with the CCBM in the recruitment process for new staff in order to decide upon the linguistic skills level required for vacant posts. The following factors will be considered in determining linguistic requirements: • Existing skills levels within teams • Whether the post is within a target area for increasing the bilingual

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provision in accordance with the college’s Bilingual Curriculum Development Scheme • Nature and frequency of the contact with the public

3.5.6 Each vacant post will be designated at a minimum of Level 1. All appointed staff who are on Level 0 will be expected to follow a foundation course in Welsh during their first year with the college in order to gain expertise at Level 1. Accordingly, all vacant posts will be advertised with bilingualism being either an essential or desirable skill

3.5.7 If the college is unable to appoint suitably qualified staff for “Welsh essential” posts, an assessment of the post’s requirements will take place to establish whether the requirement for skills in the Welsh language are a barrier to the appointment. Following the assessment, this requirement will be revised as being “Welsh desirable” for any second advertisement. It will be made clear on appointment that the individual appointed in such a case will be expected to develop their Welsh language skills to a level and within a timescale that will be agreed at that time. All arrangements of this nature will be treated as a fair and constructive partnership between employer and employee, with the employer providing strong encouragement and practical support for the employee, and the employee in turn making a fair effort to gain the necessary skills. The college will treat linguistic skills in exactly the same manner as any other professional skill required to fulfil the responsibilities of a post and subject to review within a certain period. This condition of employment must therefore be respected and implemented as strictly as any other condition of employment for the post, and the employee’s manager will review the standard of achievement by the end of the specified period following the appointment.

3.5.8 The college is committed to increasing the number of managerial staff who are able to work bilingually to reflect the area it serves. When managerial posts become vacant, the college will consider its linguistic requirements carefully before advertising and designating each post appropriately. The college is also committed to increasing the linguistic balance of the college’s Board of Governors in order to reflect the linguistic profile of the area it serves.

3.5.9 The college will continue to offer a variety of training courses for staff with a comprehensive programme to suit the needs of every individual. This will include Welsh language skills, language awareness and bilingual methodology courses. Staff will be given the opportunity to extend their skills in the area of bilingualism. Those with some knowledge of Welsh but lacking the confidence to work bilingually will be given the opportunity to improve their existing skills and others will be offered support to learn Welsh. The college will also continue to use the Welsh Government’s National Sabbatical Scheme to enable staff to teach through the medium of Welsh or bilingually and is committed to identifying four staff members from across the college to attend each year. The college has a staff training budget which will be used to provide financial support for those staff who wish to develop/improve their Welsh, and staff will be provided with relevant learning resources. On-line Welsh language training will also be available for staff.

3.5.10 A mentoring system using experienced bilingual teachers will be set up to mentor new staff or those beginning to teach bilingually. This will utilise video and other electronic communication methods to aid communication and ease of access. Developing bilingual skills is an integral part of the college’s Professional Development Review programme for staff. The college’s observation procedure

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3.5.11 for academic staff includes a section on the use of Welsh in teaching sessions.

The college will assess the need for staff development training through the medium of Welsh. Where the college identifies a need for vocational training 3.5.12 through the medium of Welsh, the college will make every effort to ensure that the provision is available for them in the language of their choice.

3.5.13 The FE jobs on-line website will be used to advertise vacant posts and both the advertisement and the application process will comply with the Scheme. Vacant posts will be advertised bilingually in publications in Wales. When the ability to speak Welsh is essential, we will advertise in the Welsh press e.g. Lleol.net in order to ensure that the college attracts applicants with the appropriate skills. Welsh speakers will be able to complete their application forms in Welsh and the college will make necessary arrangements for any applicant who wishes to be interviewed in Welsh.

3.6 Monitoring and Reviewing Processes

3.6.1 Individual managers will be responsible for implementing and reviewing those aspects of the Scheme relevant to their own departments and functional areas. The Corporate Communications and Bilingual Manager and the Bilingual Team will monitor the implementation programme for the Scheme which will feed directly into the College’s Strategic Plan, Self-Assessment Report and Quality Development Plan. The Action Plan for implementing the Scheme as set out in Appendix A of this Scheme, will be monitored on a weekly basis, and the outcomes will form a substantive part of an annual monitoring report. The Corporate Communications and Bilingual Manager will report on progress to the Principal/Chief Executive.

3.6.2 The CCBM will be responsible for reviewing progress against targets and will prepare internal progress reports regarding the implementation of the Scheme and submit or deliver a report to the senior management team on a regular basis. The report will also include monitoring the implementation on the Welsh-medium Education Strategy and the National Bilingual Strategy for Further Education.

3.6.3 Regular ‘mystery shopper’ compliance monitoring exercises will be carried out by the Bilingual Team and others. Methods and timings will be determined by the team.

3.6.4 The college will prepare an annual monitoring report for the Governing Body and the Welsh Language Commissioner.

3.6.5 At the end of the third year of implementing the Scheme, the college will prepare a comprehensive evaluation report which will assess and evaluate performance in implementing the Scheme since its inception. This report will: • Provide an overview and thematic analysis of compliance and performance over the first three years of the Scheme from two perspectives – service delivery and scheme management • Outline priorities for the following three years, together with a revised timetable for implementing the measures in the Scheme

At this time, the college will revise and update the Welsh Language Scheme.

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3.6.6 The college welcomes and will record suggestions on how to improve its bilingual provision and service. This should be done in writing and addressed to the Principal. All suggestions for improvement will be considered by the Bilingual Team and its decisions and outcomes will be conveyed to the respondent.

3.7 Quality

3.7.1 Coleg Cambria is committed to regularly set, publish and monitor the standards of service when dealing with the public and students in Welsh. The college will declare its commitment to ensuring equal linguistic standards between its Welsh and English provisions in its corporate plans, annual reports, prospectuses and all promotional literature.

3.7.2 The college accords the same administrative status to both languages, ensuring appropriate resources for translation from one language to the other where necessary.

3.7.3 The quality of Welsh medium courses is safeguarded in the same way as English medium courses and is regularly scrutinised by Governors. When assessing and measuring the standards and effectiveness of services and provisions in Welsh, the college will employ exactly the same ‘performance indicators’ as those utilised with regards to its services and provisions in English.

3.7.4 Challenging and agreeing targets for improving learner outcomes and/or maintaining existing high standards at all levels at the college is undertaken through annual departmental programme reviews, departmental action plans, Directorship and College Self-Assessment Reports (SAR).

3.8 Comments and Complaints

3.8.1 Complaints relating to the Welsh Language Scheme will be dealt with in the same way as any other using the college’s complaints procedure. Any complaint should be directed to the Principal, Coleg Cambria, Grove Park Road, Wrexham LL12 7AB on 01978 311794 or on e-mail via [email protected]

3.8.2 The college is committed to a college wide approach to student involvement. There are many opportunities to listen to, and act upon, views which inform the College Self-Assessment and assist in driving up the standard of educational provision and help services to be more responsive and personalised. Examples include: • Student surveys e.g. Mid-Year, Nursery Customer Satisfaction Survey • Student Representative Scheme • Student Governor • Student Liaison Committees • Student Planning Events • Student Planning/Learner Involvement Personal Tutor Sessions • Representation on Committees • Focus Groups Consideration will be given to the Welsh Language Scheme in all of the above.

3.8.3 The college will use a variety of methods to obtain the public’s views on our Scheme including:

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• Distributing questionnaires at the college’s annual Advice Evenings at all 6 sites • Distributing questionniares at public meetings and external events arranged by the college • Giving the public an opportunity to discuss aspects of the Scheme at the Principal’s Annual Meeting

3.9 Publication of Information and Publicity of the Scheme

3.9.1 The college will ensure that members of the public and students who come into contact with the college are aware of its Welsh medium service and provision. It will also ensure that the college's employees, agents and contractors are aware of the need to operate in accordance with the requirements of the Scheme. The Scheme will be formally launched and publicised using the college website and a summarised version will be sent to both administrative and academic staff, third party contractors, and any other contracted parties. A student version will be made available for leaners at the college and learners will be informed about the college’s commitment to bilingualism as part of their Induction Programme. It will also be sent to partners and stakeholders involved in developing the college's Welsh Language provision.

3.9.3 Hard copies of the Scheme will be available to the public in key areas such as the college’s Learning Centres and Reception areas. All prospectuses and similar compendia will refer to the Scheme.

4 DEVELOPMENT OF THE WELSH ETHOS AT THE COLLEGE

Coleg Cambria is committed to enhancing the bilingual ethos of the college and providing a bilingual curriculum suited to the needs of students. The college aims to increase the use of the Welsh language visually both publicly and corporately.

4.1 Administrative Arrangements

4.1.1 The Welsh language will be an integral part of the college’s administrative procedures. The staff will have training on the implications of the Language Scheme and will receive support in its implementation by the BDT.

4.1.2 The staff intranet will have a Welsh Language button to enable staff to access guidelines regarding implementing the Scheme. There will also be links here to software, dictionaries, glossaries, templates, resources etc.

4.1.3 The college staff will be trained in the use of Cysgair/Cysill and electronic dictionaries for staff.

4.2 Dealing with the Welsh Speaking Public

4.2.1 The college welcomes letters, e-mails and other written correspondence in Welsh and English. A short statement will be included on official notepaper and publications confirming that communication is welcomed in both languages.

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4.2.2 All Welsh correspondence received will receive a signed reply in Welsh, whenever a reply is required. Correspondence through the medium of Welsh will not lead to a delay as responses in Welsh will be subject to the same performance indicators as those written in English.

4.2.3 The college will correspond in Welsh following a face to face or telephone conversation in Welsh.

4.2.4 If the preferred language of the recipient is unknown, all correspondence initiated by the college will be bilingual.

4.2.5 When an individual or organisation expresses a preference to conduct business in Welsh, all future correspondence will be in Welsh.

4.2.6 All circular and standard letters/e-mails to students and to the public in Wales will be issued bilingually.

4.2.7 The college will establish a database of those people or organisations wishing to communicate through the medium of Welsh.

4.2.8 The college will issue guidelines regarding the above procedures to its staff including guidelines for obtaining translation of incoming and outgoing correspondence.

4.3 Telephone Communication

4.3.1 The college welcomes telephone calls in Welsh and English. All staff answering telephone calls from the public will greet the caller with a bilingual greeting with the Welsh greeting first.

4.3.2 If the telephone caller speaks in Welsh and the appropriate staff member is unable to speak Welsh, it will be explained that the person concerned is unable to communicate in Welsh and the caller will be offered the choice of: • Transferring the call to a Welsh speaking member of staff where possible. • Having a Welsh speaker return the call • Continuing the call in English, or • Presenting the information in Welsh by letter

4.3.3 Staff will be provided with instructions on how to deal with Welsh speaking callers and a list of Welsh speakers to whom calls can be transferred will be made available to staff. There will be bilingual messages on each of the college’s answerphones and a bilingual message will be placed on the college’s automatic telephone system.

4.3.4 The above procedures will be supported by strategies to encourage non-Welsh speaking staff to learn Welsh, and for Welsh speakers to increase their confidence where appropriate.

4.3.5 Anyone contacting Coleg Cambria by telephone will be able and welcome to do so through the medium of Welsh.

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4.4 Electronic Communication

4.4.1 Coleg Cambria welcomes electronic communication in Welsh or English.

4.4.2 Every staff member will insert a bilingual signature at the end of every e-mail.

4.4.3 All out-of-office messages will be bilingual with the Welsh first.

4.4.4 All Welsh-speaking members of staff will add the sentence Hapus i gyfathrebu yn y Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg to their email and Welsh learners will add the sentence Dwi’n Dysgu Cymraeg. Staff unable to speak Welsh will add Croesewir cyfathrebu electronig yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg/Electronic communication in Welsh or English is welcomed.

4.4.5 The public can also contact the college via [email protected].

4.4.6 Guidance and support will be provided for staff by the BDT in liaison with the college Administration Manager and templates will be placed on the staff intranet.

4.4.7 All communication through our social networking sites, for example Twitter, Facebook, Google +, YouTube etc is encouraged, and any communication or comments by these means are welcomed in Welsh or English. Guidance and support is given by the BDT to the staff administering Social Media in order to ensure that any publications or general tweets by the college are bilingual.

4.5 Public and other meetings

4.5.1 When public meetings are organised by the college, the college will ensure that those attending will be able and welcome to contribute through the medium of Welsh. The option of contributing in Welsh in every meeting will be advertised in all publicity concerning public meetings. Simultaneous translation facilities will be available at meetings, unless it is clear from the responses received from delegates that such a service is not necessary. At such events, the college will ensure that Welsh-speaking members of staff are present to welcome the public and to deal with queries on arrival. Staff who are able to converse in Welsh will wear “Working Welsh” badges.

4.5.2 The college will also ensure the active presence of Welsh in such meetings, and establish a measure of success in relation to the amount of Welsh used during such events, especially by people from outside the college.

4.5.3 Furthermore the college will ensure the presence of Welsh-speaking teaching and support staff around students as early as possible in their contact with the college, so that learners associate the college with the use of Welsh.

4.5.4 The college welcomes meetings with individual members of the public in both Welsh and English. The college will seek to allocate Welsh-speaking staff to areas where members of the Welsh speaking public often wish to discuss matters with the college. When communication with the public happens via other modes of oral communication, such as video conferencing, where simultaneous translation is not suitable, then a supplementary note will be included with written communication relating to the meeting informing that translation is not available. However, any presentation materials will be

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available bilingually.

4.6 Interviews Prospective students will be offered the choice of being interviewed in either Welsh or English and the choice of language will be offered in letters of invitation to interview. A Welsh-speaking member of staff will be available to conduct interviews.

4.7 The College’s Public Face

The college’s corporate identity, including the logo, will be fully bilingual.

4.7.1 All official college signage will be bilingual, with both languages given equal prominence. The Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.2 All incidental signs across the college will follow a set corporate bilingual template which is available from college administration teams.

4.7.3 All published materials will be bilingual by default. Documents such as prospectuses/leaflets/hand-outs/booklets will be produced back to back with Welsh and English either side. Where this not practical (e.g. posters) the Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.4 Official college posters placed on notice-boards will be bilingual, with both languages given equal prominence with the Welsh language appearing first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.5 Videos and electronic messages displayed in public areas in the college will be bilingual, with both languages given equal prominence. On electronic messages the Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.6 Letter headings, compliment slips, fax cover sheets, business cards, identity badges and information on vehicles, buildings and any other relevant goods and materials will be bilingual. The Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.7 The Marketing Co-ordinator (Creative) for the college will advise staff on how differing fonts and layouts should be used on bilingual signage and publications. Full branding guidelines are available from the Marketing Department. All forms will be bilingual. Where possible they will be produced back-to-back but where this is not possible the Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English. In exceptional cases decisions on whether forms will be bilingual or available in separate English and Welsh versions will be determined by the nature and size of the form. Where separate English and Welsh versions are produced, each version will contain a statement that the publication is available in the other language.

4.8 Campaigns, Publicity Material and Press Releases

4.8.1 All press releases issued to the media in Wales will be bilingual. The college will respond to enquiries from the media in the language of the enquiry.

4.8.2 All advertising and publicity materials will be produced bilingually. Information

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display stands for the public will be bilingual. Advertisements in the Welsh language press will be Welsh-only and bilingual in the English press in Wales. Response mechanisms related to publicity activities and marketing will allow communication through the medium of Welsh or English.

4.8.3 All job adverts will appear bilingually except in Welsh language publications where they will appear through the medium of Welsh only. The adverts will state whether the Welsh language is a desirable or essential skill.

4.9 The website

4.9.1 Coleg Cambria’s website will be bilingual. The content will deal with both languages equally and each version will correspond with the other. The college is committed to developing and maintaining the website to ensure updates in both languages. Procedures will exist to ensure that no new information is placed on the website unless it is bilingual and both Welsh and English pages on the website will be revised and updated simultaneously. This includes the Welsh homepage/‘hafan’ where students can access information on the Welsh and bilingual provision offered by the college and the support available to them. The site will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure compliance.

4.9.2 All new web-based reports, documents and forms will be available bilingually.

4.9.3 All the college’s electronic design work will be bilingual. All staff, consultants, designers and publishers will be provided with written guidance for dealing with and designing bilingual material.

4.10 Staff Enhancing a Welsh Language Ethos

The college will make the best use of staff to enhance a Welsh language ethos through:

4.10.1 Continuing to hold an annual audit of staff language skills, identifying and responding appropriately to any skills shortages within staff, particularly teaching staff, as per Linguistic Skills Strategy.

4.10.2 Maintaining the minimum language level of all new staff so that they are able to use and recognise simple phrases and sentences (Level 1), and consider whether this should be raised for posts in target vocational areas in accordance with the sectioning recognised in the Welsh and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan. Progress will be monitored regularly through the college’s Lesson Observation Form which includes a section for judgements on Welsh context and use of incidental Welsh in the classroom

4.10.3 Maintaining the presence of frontline staff who can respond fluently in Welsh, and maintain support for all frontline staff to conduct ‘meet and greet’ communications through the medium of Welsh

4.10.4 Maintaining and further developing language awareness training for all full time and part-time staff, and also for all new staff at induction

4.10.5 Set up specialist support for staff who have received language training (i.e. the National Sabbatical Scheme) in line with the targets set out in the Bilingual Champion Project and Welsh-medium Education Strategy.

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5. THE DEVELOPMENT OF BILINGUAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO AUGMENT AN ENGLISH MEDIUM PROVISION

The college is committed to:

5.1 Continuing to offer a variety of opportunities to increase the availability of the Welsh provision by increasing the number of registrations that follow Welsh units in vocational pathways e.g. Deloitte, Welsh in the Workplace, Using Language at Work (Welsh), Welsh-medium Essential Skills in Communication and the Welsh Bac.

5.2 Adopting creative methods of introducing the Welsh language to the learners in order to make the Welsh language relevant to their chosen learning pathways e.g. outdoor activities courses for Sports students combined with opportunities to develop language skills.

5.3 Continue to encourage and support tutors in using incidental Welsh in all of the classes. There is a section for judgements on the Welsh context and using incidental Welsh in the classroom in the college’s Lesson Observation Form. Where there is no evidence, suitable individual support is offered to up-skill and enable the tutor to see opportunities for cultural context.

5.4 Increasing learners’ understanding and appreciation of their Welsh identity by:

5.4.1 Ensuring that information is available to make evident the value of Welsh language skills in the North East Wales area. Language Awareness packs will be developed and used across the college.

5.4.2 Continuing to provide opportunities to bring Welsh speaking students together for a range of Welsh-medium or Welsh language activities.

5.4.3 Ensuring that all teaching staff present a positive appreciation of Welsh- language skills to all learners especially those following courses in vocational areas where customer service and/or public sector services are significant. This will be measured and monitored through the Observation system. Maintaining links with other Welsh language organisations (e.g. Menter Iaith, yr Urdd), and their active presence in the college.

5.4.4 Ensuring that learners are recognized and rewarded for achievements through the medium of Welsh. The college is committed to developing a reward system scheme which will encourage learners to follow units or course modules through the medium of Welsh. The achievements of learners who study through the medium of Welsh will be recognised annually in the college’s Celebrating Success event.

5.4.5 Facilitating opportunities within formal learning or in an informal context where learners are expected to speak Welsh to their peers (as opposed to using Welsh with teachers or lecturers). This will take place in the Welsh Language unit offered as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.

5.4.6 Ensuring teaching staff make the best use of visiting speakers, visits and other arranged events to raise learners’ appreciation of the Welsh language and Welsh identity.

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5.4.7 Where possible and where there are viable groups, the college will establish Welsh-medium tutorial groups for students (who may be following a range of different courses) that are sensitive to learners’ different linguistic levels.

5.4.8 Making the best use of Welsh language opportunities in work experience placements. The college will endeavour to seek Welsh-medium placements for Welsh speaking learners and will maintain a database of workplaces that can accommodate and support bilingual students.

5.5 Offering learner support provision through the medium of Welsh

The college will develop its learner support provision through the medium of Welsh by:

5.5.1 Assessing the language skills of all learners at induction. Learners who have previously attended Welsh-medium schools/Welsh-medium streams in bilingual schools will be identified at the beginning of each academic year via learner enrolment/application forms and CIS reports and made aware of additional support and bilingual opportunities available to them.

5.5.2 Providing learner support according to language needs and aspirations.

5.5.3 Providing appropriate resources to support learners to develop language and vocational skills through the medium of Welsh e.g. computer software/handbooks/dictionaries etc.

5.5.4 The college will make best use of Welsh language opportunities in work experience placements, and ensure that learners recognise the importance of bilingual skills for employment in Wales.

5.6 The college will develop the role of key corporate activities in improving the use of Welsh in the college by:

5.6.1 Maintaining and strengthening the present level of co-operation in post-14 networks and partnerships associated with Welsh language issues.

5.6.2 Ensuring an emphasis on bilingualism and Welsh culture/identity in curriculum and quality procedures

5.6.3 Addressing how to promote an institutional ethos which shifts from offering Welsh-medium/bilingual opportunities to normalising such activities as part of the learner’s curriculum.

6 THE DEVELOPMENT OF WELSH MEDIUM OR BILINGUAL PROVISION FOR POST-14 LEARNERS

6.1 In response to the Welsh Government’s Welsh-medium Education Strategy, ColegauCymru’s Bilingual Strategy and the college’s participation in the Bilingual Champion Project, existing provision will be audited and an action plan will be developed to increase Welsh-medium/ bilingual provision for post-14 learners by:

6.1.1 Maintaining existing post-14 Welsh-medium and bilingual provision which exists within the following pathways:

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Childcare Health and Social Care Public Services Employability Skills Hair and Beauty Motor mechanics Construction Agriculture WBQ Welsh language units as part of English-medium vocational courses

6.1.2 Continuing to develop courses and modules in identified subject areas ensuring the availability of appropriate teaching and learning resources in Welsh/ bilingually. Developing and implementing a Curriculum Development Plan 2014- 17 which will include a commitment to increase the number of Welsh-medium or bilingual modules by 4 each year.

6.1.3 Identifying opportunities and targets to increase uptake in 14-19 provision through the medium of Welsh and bilingually within the college as outlined in the college’s Welsh-medium and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan which will include a commitment to increase the number of learners following Welsh- medium or bilingual courses or modules by 24 each year.

6.1.4 Considering alternative means of offering Welsh-language or bilingual provision (either entire programme or alternatively individual identified units), e.g. video conferencing provision or other distance learning methods, where appropriate.

6.1.5 Being committed to search for bilingual courses/modules/on-line units/e- learning wherever possible.

6.1.6 Promoting the Welsh-medium provision and courses/units or qualifications which are available through the medium of Welsh by various means including:

• Developing a home page on the college’s website where prospective and existing learners will find information on Welsh and bilingual courses and any support which is available to them. • Ensuring that there is a section in the college prospectus outlining the Welsh-medium and bilingual provision and any support available to the students. • College Advice Evenings • Articles in local papers and community publications • Careers Conventions in Welsh-medium and bilingual schools

6.1.7 The college will offer opportunities for learners to: • Submit written work in Welsh • Follow specific course elements or modules in Welsh • Follow work experience in a Welsh speaking environment • Receive bilingual notes including terminology • Receive language classes offered in Welsh to support subjects taught in English • Have Welsh-medium assessments, entry interviews, tutorials and mentoring

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6.2 We will also seek further opportunities to develop Welsh-medium provision across the 14-19 networks by:

6.2.1 Continuing to develop Welsh-medium and bilingual provision for post-14 learners, in partnership with the local Welsh-medium secondary schools and other regional providers.

6.2.2 Ensuring that a Welsh-medium and bilingual curriculum is developed which will offer progression for learners in specific learning pathways from 14-16 to 16-19 with specific targets set in the Welsh-medium and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan.

6.2.3 Monitoring learners’ use of language to identify whether the provision encourages the use of Welsh informally in the classroom and for formal assessment.

6.2.4 Identifying network area and national skills in relation to Welsh

6.2.5 Identifying staff to attend the National Sabbatical Scheme – 4 each year.

6.2.6 Identifying and implementing support arrangements for staff teaching on bilingual or Welsh-medium courses (e.g. mentoring, models for co-working with teachers from the Welsh-medium school, etc).

6.2.7 Identifying other staff training needs (e.g. teaching methodologies, support in incorporating Welsh language activities into schemes of work and lesson plans) and arrange appropriate training.

6.3 We will continue to engage with other local organisations promoting the Welsh language by:

6.3.1 Continuing to participate in the Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire Language Forums which meet regularly to work in partnership and to discuss and share good practice for the benefit of the Welsh language.

6.3.2 Continuing to participate in a number of social events in the area to highlight the college’s commitment to bilingualism.

6.3.3 Attending 14-19 meetings and networks locally in order to work in partnership with Welsh-medium and bilingual high schools, together with other regional providers, to develop and deliver Welsh-medium and bilingual courses.

6.3.4 Working in partnership with local employers and other regional training providers to establish a new venture to develop and increase the Welsh- medium and bilingual provision in the workplace across the new unified area.

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Coleg Cambria Welsh Language Scheme 2014-17 Action Plan

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 3. The Scheme’s Administrative Arrangements 3.2.2/3.3.3 Publishing guidelines relating to the Scheme on the college intranet, on Moodle and BDT May 2014 distributing photocopied summaries of the main requirements and principles to ensure that the staff and students understand that the need to provide a bilingual service is considered when formulating new policies and ventures.

Providing essential training sessions for staff to raise awareness of the Scheme and to inform BDT May- them of their responsibilities. September 2014 3.2.3 Provide training sessions for new members of staff on the relevance of the Scheme and their BDT May- responsibilities with regard to it September 2014 3.2.4 Regularly attend the college’s strategic meetings to update managers on matters relating to CCBM May- the Scheme’s requirements and give an account of progress on projected outcomes as part September of the college’s self-assessment procedures 2014 initially and then Attend Directorate meetings to update staff on matters relating to bilingualism. every term

3.2.5 Establish a suitable and effective system to enable staff to use the Translation Unit’s services BDT/ April 2014 Translation Develop a large database of the Welsh-medium/bilingual resources available in the college Co-ordinator September and raise the awareness of all the staff of the available resources. 2014

3.3 New Policies and Initiatives 3.3.2 Assess the linguistic consequences of any new policies or initiatives CCBM/ Continuous Managers

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 3.4 Third Party Compliance 3.4.4 - Establish a procedure to ensure that tendering documents, contracts, grant conditions and Head of September 3.4.7 agreements with third parties are consistent with the terms of the Welsh Language Scheme Resources 2014

3.4.8 Provide guidelines to all the staff dealing with third parties BDT September 2014 3.5 Staffing Issues 3.5.3 Undertake an annual survey of the staff’s linguistic skills which will form a skills baseline for Head of April 2014 the college to improve upon and develop in accordance with the college’s Linguistic Skills HR/CCBM April 2015 Strategy. April 2016

3.5.4 Based on the results of the survey, set a bilingual skills target for the college to achieve in the Head of HR May 2014 medium to long-term for increasing the number of bilingual staff which will reflect the /CCBM May 2015 reqired skills levels and their location across directorships and service areas. This target will May 2016 vary according to the existing skills within the directorships and service areas.

3.5.5 College Managers to consult with the CCBM in the recruitment process for new staff in order Managers/ April 2014 to decide upon the linguistic skills level required for vacant posts. The following factors will CCBM be considered in determining linguistic requirements: • Existing skills levels within teams • Whether the post is within a target area for increasing the bilingual provision in accordance with the college’s Bilingual Curriculum Development Scheme • Nature and frequency of the contact with the public 3.5.6 Designating each vacant post at a minimum of Level 1 and any appointed staff who are on Head of HR/ April 2014 Level 0 will take a short course in Welsh during their first year with the college in order to CCBM/ gain expertise at Level 1. Managers

Each vacant post to be advertised with bilingualism as either an essential or desirable skill.

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 3.5.8 Increasing the number of managerial staff who are able to work bilingually to reflect the area Senior April 2016 served by the college Management Team/ Increasing the linguistic balance of the college’s Board of Governors in order to reflect the Board of linguistic profile of the area served by the college Governors

Set a bilingual skill target for the college to achieve in the medium to long-term for May 2014 increasing the number of bilingual managers and governors as specified in 3.5.4 May 2015 May 2016 3.5.9 Developing and implementing a comprehensive programme of Welsh language training HR/CCBM/ May 2014 courses for staff Managers

Four members of the college’s staff to attend the Welsh Government’s National Sabbatical Scheme every year

3.5.10 Establish a system for mentoring new staff or those who are beginning to teach bilingually HR/CCBM/ May 2014 Managers

3.5.11 Ensure that developing bilingual skills is an integral part of the college’s Professional HR/CCBM/ May 2014 Development Review programme for staff. Managers

The college’s observation procedure for academic staff to include a section on the use of Welsh in teaching sessions.

3.5.12 Assess the need for staff development training through the medium of Welsh. Head of TL/ September HR/ CCBM 2014 Provide vocational training through the medium of Welsh if required.

3.5.13 Ensure that advertising vacant posts and the online application process comply with the HR/CCBM April 2014 Scheme.

Ensure that advertisments for vacant posts are bilingual in publications in Wales.

When the ability to speak Welsh is essential, ensure that advertising is targeted to the Welsh press e.g. Lleol.net in order to attract applicants with appropriate skills.

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? Ensure that Welsh speakers are able to complete their application forms in Welsh and that HR April 2014 the college makes the necessary arrangements for any applicant who wishes to be interviewed in Welsh.

3.6 Monitoring and Reviewing Processes 3.6.1 Individual managers to implement and review those aspects of the Scheme relevant to their BDT/ September own departments and functional areas. Managers 2014 and then annually The Corporate Communications and Bilingual Manager and the Bilingual Team to monitor according to the implementation programme for the Scheme which will feed directly into the college’s the timetable Strategic Plan, Self-Assessment Report and Quality Development Plan. of the reports 3.6.2 Reviewing progress against targets and preparing internal progress reports regarding the CCBM Every term implementation of the Scheme and presenting a report to the Senior Management Team on a regular basis

3.6.3 Carry out regular ‘mystery shopper’ compliance monitoring exercises BDT Annually and report back in the Monitoring Report to the Board of Governors and the Commissioner 3.6.4 Prepare an annual monitoring report for the Board of Governors and the Welsh Language CCBM December Commissioner 2014-2017

3.6.5 Prepare a comprehensive evaluation report which will assess and evaluate performance in CCBM April 2017 implementing the Scheme from its inception

3.7 Quality 3.7.1 The college to declare its commitment to ensuring equal linguistic standards between its SMT/ Continuous Welsh and English provision in its corporate plans, annual reports, prospectuses and all CCBM promotional literature.

3.7.2 Ensuring procedures exist to accord the same administrative status to both languages Administration September Manager/CCBM 2014 3.7.3 Safeguarding the quality of Welsh-medium courses in the same way as English medium Directors/ Continuous courses TL Manager/ Quality/CCBM Employing the same ‘performance indicators’ as those utilised with regards to its services and provision in English in assessing and measuring the standards and effectiveness of services and provision in Welsh.

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 3.7.4 Agreeing targets for improving learner outcomes and/or maintaining existing high standards Managers/ Continuous at the college through annual departmental programme reviews, departmental action plans, Senior Directorship and College Self-Assessment Reports (SAR). Management Team 3.8 Comments and Complaints 3.8.1 Deal with complaints regarding the Welsh Language Scheme in the same way as any other Complaints Continuous using the college’s complaints procedure. Co-ordinator/ SMT 3.8.2 Consider the Welsh Language Scheme in the following: Head of Annually • Student surveys e.g. Mid-Year, Nursery Customer Satisfaction Survey Quality and • Student Representative Scheme Learner • Student Governor Engagement/ • Student Liaison Committees CCBM • Student Planning Events • Student Planning/Learner Involvement Personal Tutor Sessions • Representation on Committees • Focus Groups

3.8.3 Use a variety of methods to obtain the public’s view on the Scheme including: CCBM/ Annually Marketing • Distributing questionnaires at the college’s annual Advice Evenings at all 6 sites • Distributing questionnaires at public meetings and external events arranged by the college • Giving the public an opportunity to discuss aspects of the Scheme at the Principal’s Annual Meeting

3.9 Publication of information and Publicity of the Scheme 3.9.1 Ensure that members of the public and students who come into contact with the college are BDT/ March- aware of its Welsh-medium service and provision. Marketing September 2014 Officially launching the Scheme on the college website and further publicising it on the website.

Send a summarised version of the Scheme to both administrative and academic staff, third party contractors and any other contracted parties.

Prepare and distribute a student version and inform learners of the college’s commitment to bilingualism as part of their Induction Programme.

Send a summarised version of the Scheme to partners and stakeholders involved in developing the college’s Welsh language provision.

3.9.2 Ensure that hard copies of the Scheme will be available to the public in key areas such as the BDT/ September college’s Learning Centres and Reception areas and that all prospectuses and similar Marketing 2014 compendia will refer to the Scheme. Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE WELSH ETHOS AT THE COLLEGE 4.1 Administrative Arrangements 4.1.1 Ensure that the Welsh language is an integral part of the college’s administrative procedures. Administration September Manager/ 2014 CCBM

Provide training for the staff on the Language Scheme’s implications BDT May- September 2014 4.1.2 Ensure that a Welsh Language button is placed on the staff intranet to enable staff to access BDT/ September guidelines regarding implementing the Scheme. There will also be links here to software, Marketing 2014 dictionaries, glossaries, templates, resources etc.

4.1.3 Provide training to staff in the use of Cysgair/Cysill and electronic dictionaries BDT/ Continuous ILT Manager 4.2 Dealing with the Welsh speaking public 4.2.1 Include a short statement on official notepaper and publications confirming that Administration September communication is welcomed in both languages Manager/CCBM 2014

4.2.2 Ensure that all Welsh correspondence received will receive a signed reply in Welsh whenever Administration September a reply is required Manager/CCBM 2014

4.2.3 Ensure that the college communicates in Welsh following a face to face or telephone Administration September conversation in Welsh. Manager/CCBM 2014

4.2.4 If the preferred language of the recipient is unknown, ensure that all correspondence Administration September initiated by the college is bilingual. Manager/CCBM 2014

4.2.5 When an individual or organisation expresses a preference to conduct business in Welsh, Administration September ensure that all future correspondence is in Welsh. Manager/CCBM 2014

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 4.2.7 Establish a database of those people or organisations wishing to communicate through the Administration September medium of Welsh. Manager/CCBM 2014

4.2.8 Issue guidelines to staff regarding the above procedures including guidelines for obtaining Administration September translation of incoming and outgoing correspondence. Manager/CCBM 2014

4.3 Telephone Communication 4.3.1 Ensure that all staff answering telephone calls from the public greet the caller with a Administration September bilingual greeting with the Welsh greeting first. Manager/CCBM 2014

4.3.2/3 Provide revised instructions to staff on how to deal with Welsh speaking callers including Administration September making available a list of Welsh speakers to whom calls can be transferred. Manager/CCBM 2014

Ensure that bilingual messages ar placed on all of the college’s answerphones and that a bilingual message is placed on the college’s automatic telephone system.

4.3.4 Ensure that the above procedures are supported by strategies to encourage non-Welsh Administration September speakers to learn Welsh, and for Welsh speakers to increase their confidence where Manager/CCBM 2014 appropriate. /HR

4.4 Electronic Communication 4.4.2 Ensure that every staff member has a bilingual signature at the end of every e-mail. Administration September Manager/CCBM 2014 4.4.3 Ensure that all out-of-office messages are bilingual with the Welsh first. Administration September Manager/CCBM 2014 4.4.4 All Welsh-speaking members of staff to add the sentence ‘Hapus i gyfathrebu yn Gymraeg Administration September neu Saesneg’ to their e-mail. Manager/CCBM 2014

Welsh learners to add the sentence ‘Dwi’n Dysgu Cymraeg’

Staff unable to speak Welsh will add ‘Croesewir cyfathrebu electronig yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg’ 4.4.6 Provide guidance and support to staff and place templates on the staff intranet Administration September Manager/CCBM 2014 /Marketing 4.4.7 Ensure that any announcements, publications or general tweets by the college are bilingual. CCBM/ September Marketing 2014 4.5 Public and other meetings 4.5.1 Ensure that simultaneous translation facilities are available in meetings, unless it is clear Translation Continuous from the responses received from delegates that such a service is not necessary Co-ordinator/ BDT Ensure that Welsh-speaking members of staff are present to welcome the public and to deal with queries on arrival. Staff who are able to converse in Welsh will wear “Working Welsh” badges.

4.5.2 Establish a measure of success procedure in relation to the amount of Welsh used during BDT September such events, especially by people from outside the college. 2014

4.5.3 Ensure the presence of Welsh-speaking teaching and support staff around students as early Managers Continuous as possible in their contact with the college so that learners associate the college with the use of Welsh.

4.5.4 Ensure that Welsh-speaking staff are allocated to areas where members of the Welsh- CCBM/ September speaking public often wish to discuss matters with the college. When communication with Marketing 2014 the public happens via other modes of oral communication such as video conferencing where simultaneous translation is not suitable, then a supplementary note will be included with the written communication relating to the meeting indicating that translation is not available. However, any presentation materials will be available bilingually.

4.6 Interviews 4.6 Offer interviews to prospective students in either Welsh or English. Admissions April 2014 Manager/ CCBM

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 4.7 The College’s Public Face 4.7.1 Ensure that all official college signage is bilingual with both languages given equal BDT/ August 2014 prominence. The Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English. Marketing/ Estates 4.7.2 Ensure that all incidental signs across the college follow a set corporate bilingual template BDT/ August 2014 which is available from college administration teams. Marketing/ Estates

4.7.3 Ensure that all published materials are bilingual by default. Produce documents such as BDT/ Continuous prospectuses/leaflets/hand-outs/booklets back to back with Welsh and English either side. Marketing Where this is not practical (e.g. posters) the Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.4/5 Ensure that official college posters placed on notice-boards are bilingual with both languages BDT/ August 2014 given equal prominence with the Welsh language appearing first, above or to the left of the Marketing English.

Ensure that videos and electronic messages displayed in public areas in the college are bilingual with both languages given equal prominence. On electronic messages the Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.6 Ensure that letter headings, compliment slips, fax cover sheets, business cards, identity BDT/ August 2014 badges and information on vehicles, buildings and other relevant goods and materials are Marketing bilingual. The Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English.

4.7.7 Ensure that the Marketing Co-ordinator (Creative) for the college advises staff on how BDT/ August 2014 differing fonts and layouts should be used on bilingual signage and publications. Marketing

Ensure that all forms are bilingual. Where possible they will be produced back-to-back but where this is not possible the Welsh language will appear first, above or to the left of the English. In exceptional cases decisions on whether forms will be bilingual or available in separate English and Welsh versions will be determined by the nature and size of the form. Where separate English and Welsh versions are produced, each version will contain a statement that the publication is available in the other language. 4.8 Campaigns, Publicity Material and Press Releases 4.8.1 Ensure that all press releases issued to the media in Wales are bilingual. CCBM Continuous

4.8.2 Ensure that all advertising and publicity materials are produced bilingually. CCBM/ Continuous Marketing 4.8.3 Ensure that all job adverts appear bilingually except in Welsh language publications where CCBM/AD August 2014 they appear through the medium of Welsh only .

Ensure that the adverts state whether the Welsh language is a desirable or essential skill.

4.9 The website 4.9.1 Implement procedures to ensure that no new information is placed on the website unless it CCBM/ September is bilingual and that both Welsh and English pages on the website are revised and updated BDT/ 2014 simultaneously. Marketing

Develop a Welsh homepage/‘hafan’ where students can access information on the Welsh and bilingual provision offered by the college and the support available to them.

Regularly monitoring the website to ensure compliance.

4.9.2 Ensure that all new web-based reports, documents and forms are available bilingually. CCBM/ September BDT/ 2014 Marketing 4.9.3 Provide written guidance to all staff, consultants, designers and publishers for dealing with CCBM/ September and designing bilingual material. BDT/ 2014 Marketing

Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 4.10 Staff Enhancing a Welsh Languge Ethos 4.10.1 Continue to hold an annual audit of staff language skills, identifying and responding Head of April 2014 appropriately to any skills shortages within staff, particularly teaching staff, as per Linguistic HR/CCBM April 2015 Skills Strategy. April 2016

4.10.2 Maintaining the minimum language level of all new staff so that they are able to use and Head of HR/ Report back in recognise simple phrases and sentences (Level 1), and consider whether this should be raised CCBM/Head the annual for posts in target vocational areas in accordance with the sectioning recognised in the of Quality monitoring Welsh and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan. Progress will be monitored regularly report through the college’s Lesson Observation Form which includes a section for judgements on Welsh context and use of incidental Welsh in the classroom.

4.10.3 Increase the presence of frontline staff who can respond fluently in Welsh to reflect the Administration April 2017 linguistic profile or the area which is served by the college. Manager/CCBM

Develop and provide a programme to support all frontline staff to ‘meet and greet’ through April 2015 the medium of Welsh.

4.10.4 Provide and further develop language awareness training for all full time and part-time staff, BDT Annually and also for all new staff at induction.

4.10.5 Set up specialist support for staff who have received language training (i.e. the National BDT April 2014 Sabbatical Scheme) in line with the targets set out in the Bilingual Champion Project and Welsh-medium Education Strategy.

5. THE DEVELOPMENT OF BILINGUAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO AUGMENT AN ENGLISH MEDIUM PROVISION

5.1 Offer a variety of opportunities to increase the availability of the Welsh provision by Curriculum September increasing the number of registrations that follow Welsh units in English medium vocational Managers/ 2014 pathways by 10% annually e.g. Deloitte, Welsh in the Workplace, Using Language at Work CCBM September (Welsh), Welsh-medium Essential Skills in Communication and the Welsh Bac. 2015 September 2016 5.2 Adopt creative methods of introducing the Welsh language to the learners in order to make Curriculum Report the Welsh language relevant to their chosen learning pathways e.g. outdoor activities Managers/ annually courses for Sports students combined with opportunities to develop language skills. CCBM

5.2 Provide training to encourage and support tutors in using incidental Welsh in all of the Head of TL/ Report classes. There is a section for judgements on the Welsh context and using incidental Welsh in Head of annually the classroom in the college’s Lesson Observation Form. Where there is no evidence, suitable Quality/CCBM individual support is offered to up-skill and enable the tutor to see opportunities for cultural context.

5.4 Increasing learners’ understanding and appreciation of their Welsh identity Curriculum April 2017 – Managers/BDT report annually 5.4.1 Develop and use Language Awareness packs across the college. BDT September 2014 5.4.2 Provide a variety of Welsh language activities for students – at leat 4 every year. BDT Report annually 5.4.3 Prepare guidelines for all teaching staff to present ways of promoting the importance of BDT Report bilingual skills to all learners especially those following courses in vocational areas where annually customer service and/or public sector services are significant. This will be measured and monitored through the Observation system. Continuous Maintaining links with other Welsh language organisations (e.g. Menter Iaith, yr Urdd), and their active presence in the college.

5.4.4 Developing a reward system scheme which will encourage learners to follow units or course BDT September modules through the medium of Welsh. 2014

Recognise the achievements of learners who study through the medium of Welsh in the college’s annual Celebrating Success event.

5.4.5 Facilitating opportunities within formal learning or in an informal context where learners are BDT September expected to speak Welsh to their peers (as opposed to using Welsh with teachers or 2014 lecturers). Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 5.4.6 Ensure that teaching staff make the best use of visiting speakers, visits and other arranged Curriculum Continuous events to raise learners’ appreciation of the Welsh language and Welsh identity. Managers /BDT

5.4.7 Where possible and where there are viable groups, establish Welsh-medium tutorial groups Curriculum September for students (who may be following a range of different courses) that are sensitive to Managers /BDT 2014 learners’ different linguistic levels

5.4.8 Seek Welsh-medium placements for Welsh speaking learners and maintain a database of Curriculum September workplaces that can accommodate and support bilingual students. Managers /BDT 2014

5.5 Offering learner support provision through the medium of Welsh 5.5.1 Assess the language skills of all learners at induction. Head of September IT/CCBM/ 2014 Identify learners who have previously attended Welsh-medium schools/Welsh-medium Deputy streams in bilingual schools at the beginning of each academic year via learner Director of enrolment/application forms and CIS reports and make them aware of the additional Essential Skills support and bilingual opportunities available to them.

5.5.2 Provide learner support according to language needs and aspirations. CCBM/ September Dirprwy 2014 Gyfarwyddwr Sgiliau Hanfodol

5.5.3 Provide appropriate resources to support learners to develop language and vocational skills BDT/ September through the medium of Welsh e.g. computer software/handbooks/dictionaries etc. ILT Manager 2014 5.5.4 Provide Language Awareness sessions for learners to emphasise the importance of bilingual BDT September skills when looking for employment in Wales 2014 Reference Output By whom? When? Progress Achieved? 5.6 Develop the role of key corporate activities to improve the use of Welsh in the college. SMT/ April 2017 – Curriculum Report Managers annually CCBM 5.6.1 Maintain and strengthen the present level of co-operation in post-14 networks and SMT/ Continuous partnerships associated with Welsh language issues. CCBM

5.6.2 Ensure an emphasis on bilingualism and Welsh culture/identity in curriculum and quality Curriculum Report procedures Managers/ annually CCBM 5.6.3 Establish a system to promote an institutional ethos which shifts from offering Welsh- Curriculum April 2017 medium/bilingual opportunities to normalising such activities as part of the learner’s Managers/ curriculum. CCBM/ BDT

6 THE DEVELOPMENT OF WELSH MEDIUM OR BILINGUAL PROVISION FOR POST-14 LEARNERS 6.1.1 Maintaining the current post-14 Welsh-medium and bilingual provision which exist within Curriculum Continuous the following pathways: Managers/ CCBM • Childcare • Health and Social Care • Public Services • Employability Skills • Hair and Beauty • Motor mechanics • Construction • Agriculture • WBQ • Welsh language units as part of English-medium vocational courses 6.1.2-6.1.5 Develop a Welsh-medium and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan 2014-17 to include a Curriculum April 2014 commitment to develop courses and modules in specific subject areas and ensuring the Managers/ availability of appropriate Welsh/bilingual teaching and learning resources. It will include the CCBM following targets:

• increasing the number of Welsh-medium or bilingual modules by 4 each year • increasing the number of learners following Welsh-medium or bilingual courses or modules by 24 each year

The Plan will include alternative methods of offering Welsh-medium or bilingual provision e.g. video conferencing provision or other distance learning methods where appropriate.

6.1.6 Promote the Welsh-medium provision and courses/units or qualifications which are available BDT/ September through the medium of Welsh by various means including: Marketing 2014

• Developing a home page on the college’s website where prospective and existing learners will find information on Welsh and bilingual courses and any support which is available to them. • Ensuring that there is a section in the college prospectus outlining the Welsh- medium and bilingual provision and any support available to the students. • College Advice Evenings • Articles in local papers and community publications • Careers Conventions in Welsh-medium and bilingual schools

6.1.7 Ensure that learners whose previous education was through the medium of Welsh or Curriculum September bilingual are given the opportunity to: Managers/BDT 2014 • Submit written work in Welsh • Follow specific course elements or modules in Welsh • Follow work experience in a Welsh speaking environment • Receive bilingual notes including terminology • Receive language classes offered in Welsh to support subjects taught in English • Have Welsh-medium assessments, entry interviews, tutorials and mentoring

6.2 Ensure that the Welsh-medium and Bilingual Curriculum Development Plan : Curriculum April 2014 Managers/ • continues to develop the Welsh-medium and bilingual provision for post-14 CCBM learners in partnership with the local Welsh-medium high schools, together with other regional providers • offers progression in specific learning pathways from 14-16 to 16-19 with specific targets set • considers network areas and national skills in relation to Welsh • implements support arrangements for staff teaching on bilingual and Welsh- medium courses (e.g. mentoring, models for co-working with teachers from Welsh-medium schools etc.) • identifies other staff training needs (e.g. teaching methodologies, support in incorporating Welsh language activities into schemes of work and lesson plans) and arrange appropriate training.

6.3 Continue to engage with other local organisations promoting the Welsh language

6.3.1 Continue to participate in the Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire Language Forums which BDT Continuous meet regularly to work in partnership and to discuss and share good practice for the benefit of the Welsh language.

6.3.2 Continue to participate in a number of social events in the area to highlight the college’s BDT Continuous commitment to bilingualism.

6.3.3 Attend 14-19 meetings and networks locally in order to work in partnership with Welsh- CCBM Continuous medium and bilingual high schools, together with other regional providers, to develop and deliver Welsh-medium and bilingual courses.

6.3.4 Establish a new venture to develop and increase the Welsh-medium and bilingual provision SMT/ September in the workplace across the new unified area in partnership with local employers and other Curriculum 2014 regional training providers. Managers/ CCBM