College launches Welsh Language Scheme

8 June 2021

A pioneering scheme aimed at offering extra support to Welsh-speaking police officers has been welcomed by the Police Federation’s Welsh Affairs sub-committee.

The College of Policing Welsh Language Scheme aims to further help forces across Wales deliver against Welsh language standards while highlighting the college’s commitment to unity on both sides of the border.

The college’s public business in Wales will treat the English and Welsh languages equally under the new scheme.

Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales, has welcomed the move.

“This important scheme will bring extra support for Welsh-speaking police officers across the four forces in Wales,” she explained.

“It will hopefully prove beneficial for our members and the communities they serve. The scheme also demonstrates the college’s commitment to the Welsh police forces and their officers and staff.”

There is no formal obligation for the College of Policing to prepare a statutory language scheme in respect of the Welsh language but, as the professional body for policing in England and Wales,  it does heavily influence how police services across Wales are governed. 

Development of the scheme was led by North Wales Police Inspector Gethin Jones, a Welsh speaker, during a secondment to the Coventry headquarters of the College of Policing.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with the college to develop this important piece of work. Working with the College has made me see just how much they support policing in critical areas and it’s fantastic that people from Welsh-speaking communities will have access to that support too.”

The scheme outlines how the College of Policing will deliver some of its services to the public, as well as officers and staff in Wales. 

The Welsh Language Commissioner and the Welsh Language Standards imposed on Welsh police forces have played a critical part in the development of the scheme.

Work to implement the scheme is already underway including translation of key documentation and support materials.

Find out more about the Welsh Language Scheme.