The 1993 Welsh Language Act requires public bodies to prepare Welsh language schemes which state how they implement the principle of equality for both languages to the extent that that is reasonably practicable and appropriate in the circumstances. 

Third sector organisations do not fall directly under the Act but many already recognise that offering a service in the users’ language choice is a core element of best practise and of equality of opportunity. 

Even so, some third sector bodies may be affected by the Act. For example if a third sector organisation is providing services to the public on behalf of a public body, they will be expected to implement the relevant parts of that public body’s Welsh Language Scheme. In this respect, public bodies who have a Welsh language scheme in place should insist that their third sector providers operate in accordance with their language schemes.