Welsh Language Commissioner
- Body
- Welsh Language Commissioner
- Appointing Department
- Welsh Government
- Sector
- Education
- Location
- Flexible. For information, the majority of the Commissioner’s staff are based in the Cardiff and Caernarfon offices
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- The post will attract a salary of circa £95,000. The salary is subject to tax and national insurance and is pensionable.
- Time Requirements
- 5 days a week
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
06/05/2022
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Closed for Applications
17/06/2022 at 16:00
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Panel Sift
06/07/2022
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Final Interview Date
12/09/2022
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Announcement
20/10/2022
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
Date: 20/10/2022
Vacancy Description
The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (“the Measure”) confirmed the official status of the Welsh language in Wales, created a new regulatory system of Welsh language standards, and created the role of the Welsh Language Commissioner (“the Commissioner”). The appointment of the Commissioner is made by the First Minister.
The term of office of the Commissioner is 7 years and is non-renewable.
Key areas of responsibility:
(i) Promoting and facilitating the increase of Welsh language services, and other opportunities to use Welsh
(ii) To work towards ensuring that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language and that persons in Wales should be able to live their lives through the medium of the Welsh language if they choose to do so
(iii) To encourage best practice and to offer assistance to bodies in relation to mainstreaming the Welsh language in policy development, with the aim of increasing the use of Welsh, increasing opportunities for persons to use the language, and ensuring that Welsh is not treated less favourably than English
(iv) To be responsible for regulating the Welsh Language standards system. Approximately 120 bodies are currently required to comply with standards.
This work includes:
Give compliance notices to bodies that come under standards, and consult on a draft version of a notice
monitoring the performance of bodies in accordance with the duties imposed on them and keep under review compliance notices, varying and revoking them as appropriate
issue codes of practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance to bodies with respect to the requirements of standards
determine on applications for the Commissioner to decide whether the requirement to comply with the relevant standards is unreasonable or disproportionate
publish decision notices following investigations into complaints of non-compliance with relevant standards, in accordance with the enforcement policy
deal with complainants, service providers, the Welsh Language Tribunal and any other parties involved in any appeals procedure
create and maintain a register of enforcement action detailing all investigations, outcomes and any appeals to the Welsh Language Tribunal
(v) Following an application by an individual, consider investigating cases where there is an alleged attempt to interfere with the freedom of Welsh speakers to use the language with one another, and determine on cases which are investigated
(vi) To keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of the law relating to the Welsh language and to advise Welsh Ministers on any changes that may be required
(vii) To work collaboratively with the Public Services Ombudsman Wales and other ombudsmen and commissioners as appropriate
(viii) To contribute to the process of appointing an Advisory Panel and to consult with the Panel in exercising his or her duties
(ix) To produce a 5-year report focusing on the position of the Welsh language over that period. A copy of the report must be laid before the Senedd
(x) To produce an annual report including, amongst other matters, a summary of the action taken in the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions and his/her proposals for a work programme for the following year. A copy of the annual report must be laid before the Senedd
(xi) To conduct and commission research into the Welsh language
(xii) To play an active role in the international network of language commissioners, and to share best practice and implement best practice from other countries where appropriate
(xiii) To make recommendations or representations, or give advice, to any person including the Welsh Ministers in connection with any of his or her functions.
(xiv) To lead and manage the Office of the Welsh Language Commissioner and appoint a Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner
(xv) To act as Accounting Officer and be responsible for ensuring the efficient financial management of the Commissioner’s Office and preparing accounts of expenditure and estimates of income and expenses as required. The Commissioner will be responsible for an annual budget of around £3million
(xvi) To create and maintain a register of interests of each relevant office holder.
Person Specification
Essential requirements
The person we are looking for will be able to demonstrate the following key skills and knowledge:
Proven leadership qualities
Experience of organisational design and development
Knowledge of Welsh language policy issues; an understanding of the issues facing Welsh speakers and learners; and a commitment to increasing the use of Welsh.
Excellent interpersonal skills in Welsh and English and the ability to work effectively through the medium of Welsh in all kinds of situations including working with a wide range of people such as Ministers, senior representatives of both private and public bodies, and engaging with members of the public.
Experience of dealing and talking with the press and media
Credibility at a level which will command the confidence and respect of the Welsh Government, Senedd Members, local government, public, private and third sector organisations and the public
Proven ability to work effectively in partnership with stakeholders and external bodies to resolve difficult issues satisfactorily
Strong financial and people management and governance experience
A clear understanding and commitment to equality issues and to Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’.
Welsh Language
Welsh language skills are essential.
Additional Information
For further information regarding the role of the Welsh Language Commissioner please contact Alan Jones: Email: alan.jones4@gov.wales If you need any further assistance in applying for this role, please email publicappointments@gov.wales. For further information about Public Appointments in Wales, please visit www.gov.wales/publicappointments
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in the appointment of the Welsh Language Commissioner (“the Commissioner”). This document provides details on the role and responsibilities of the post and the selection process.
To make an application please visit the Welsh Government public appointment website here https://cymru-wales.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-3/brand2/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/7/adv/. To apply for this role, click on the vacancy and click on ‘Apply’ at the bottom of the page. The first time you apply for a post, you will need to complete a registration form for the Welsh Government’s online application system. You will only need to register once, and you will be able to keep yourself updated on the progress of your application, and any other applications you make, via your registered account.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to access the application form. To apply you will need to upload a personal statement and CV to the ‘Reasons for applying’ section of the online application form.