Here are a few things to consider when planning to write a Welsh Language Policy:

Show intention

• A Language Policy is an opportunity for you to state what your business will do in Welsh, and to explain or justify what your business will not do. That offers an assurance to your staff and customers, so that they can see the extent of your commitment to the language

• Research shows that people in Wales increasingly expect commitment and respect from businesses towards Welsh

• Up to 40% of people in Wales speak or understand some Welsh, and over 80% of people in Wales are proud of the language
 
Your staff and Welsh

• It is important that you explain to your staff how you want your business to operate in Welsh – on signs, in publications, announcements and so on. It is likely that a number of your staff will have the ability and desire to use Welsh, but perhaps they will not have used the language at work before

Iaith Gwaith materials can help your staff and customers to understand when and where you offer services in Welsh.    

A bilingual future

• A Language Policy is a basis for you to plan effectively for the future. It is easy to increase the use of Welsh without much additional cost (when renewing old signage, when developing a new brand or image, by using the Iaith Gwaith badge to identify bilingual staff). A Policy will remind managers and staff to take advantage of those opportunities. It will also assist you in identifying the costs involved in using Welsh, and to measure and prioritise expenditure on that

To see a list of all the businesses who have developed and adopted a Welsh language policy, go to the List of Businesses.

To find out more about drawing up a Welsh Language Policy, including how to write one for your business, browse through the links on the right.