[lg policy] UK Welsh government job advert breached language policy

[Harold Schiffman]

Welsh government job advert breached language policy

   - 19 June 2015
   - From the section Wales politics
   <http://www.bbc.com/news/wales/wales_politics>

  It is the first investigation of its kind by Welsh Language Commissioner
Meri Huws

An advert by the Welsh government to recruit the new children's
commissioner breached it own Welsh language policy, an investigation has
found.

It is the first investigation into the government by Welsh Language
Commissioner Meri Huws under the Welsh Language Act.

Her report found the government failed to comply with two clauses of its
own policy when advertising the post.

A Welsh government spokesman said it accepted the findings
<http://www.comisiynyddygymraeg.org/English/Publications%20List/20150513%20DG%20S%20Adroddiad%20Ymchwiliad%2035%20-%20Llywodraeth%20Cymru%20%28gyda%20atodiadau%29.pdf>
.

Welsh language campaigners Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language
Society) welcomed what it called a "damning" report.

Jamie Bevan, from the group, called for an apology from Communities
Minister Lesley Griffiths "who has overall responsibility for this
situation".

The post was first advertised in April 2014 in readiness for Keith Towler
stepping down from the role earlier this year.
Guidance updated

The original job specification stated it was desirable for candidates to be
able to "communicate verbally with confidence in Welsh".

But when the position was re-advertised in October 2014, following a
failure to find a suitable candidate, the wording had changed to omit this
requirement.

Meri Huws said: "It is concluded, with certainty, that the decision to
shorten the information pack was a purposeful decision that led to
disregarding the requirements of the Welsh language scheme."

Her report made four recommendations relating to recruitment processes.

The Welsh government spokesman said: "We accept the recommendations made by
the Welsh language commissioner and have updated our public appointments
guidance to ensure Welsh language skills are considered from the start of
the process."

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-33192709


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