In general, the planning of language provision within an organisation can be envisaged in the context of the following ongoing process:
1. Review 2. Planning 3. Implementation 4. Evaluation
Stage 1 – Review
The first stage is to review the current situation and identify the organisation's developmental needs. Information must be sought about the following:
1) What service is currently provided bilingually?
2) The organisation's public image.
3) Staff and volunteers' current language skills.
4) Staff and volunteers' level of language awareness.
5) The organisation's target audience.
6) The proportion of Welsh-speaking users.
7) The proportion of Welsh-speaking employees.
8) The organisation's geographical range.
9) Potential for attracting new users and volunteers.
10) Compatibility with appropriate partners and funders.
By reviewing the above aspects the organisation can decide what appropriate steps are needed for the provision of an adequate bilingual service.
Stage 2 – Planning
After reviewing and identifying developmental needs the organisation will need to plan for their delivery. The following can be planned for:
1) Identification of training needs.
2) Identification of support needs.
3) Identification of operational measures.
4) Setting delivery targets and timescale
5) Securing resources
6) Consultation
7) Establishing support systems
8) Ensuring broad ownership.
Stage 3 – Implementation
In starting to implement measures it is vital that:
1) Everyone in the organisation understands the implications of the scheme for their daily work and shoulder their responsibilities
2) Strong support is offered to staff and volunteers.
3) Appropriate monitoring systems are established.
Stage 4 - Evaluation
Following a period of implementation it is important to evaluate the scheme against:
1) Time targets set in the scheme
2) Quality standards and effectiveness of the scheme
3) Any changes in expectations or use by users.
After evaluation the cycle returns to reviewing the situation and planning, implementing and evaluating any changes, and so on…