Welsh Language Standards

Welsh Universities are required to comply with the Welsh Language Standards (No. 6) Regulations 2017 which was established under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The Welsh Language Standards explain how the University is expected to provide specific services through the medium of Welsh, ensuring that the Welsh language is not treated less favourably than the English language.

A compliance notice is the legal document which notes which standards (duties) an organisation must comply with, and by when. 

Compliance Notice Aberystwyth University - Section 44 Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011

This document explains how the University will comply with each standard.

Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Standards

This document explains how the University monitors the implementation of the Standards.

Arrangements for Overseeing the Welsh Language Standards 2024

This page explains how one can complain about failure to comply with the Standards and the University's procedure for dealing with the complaint.

Complaints Procedure 

Complaint Form

A brief description of the Standards that staff must comply with:

Staff Summary of AU Welsh Language Standards

In accordance with the Welsh Language Standards, the university must consider what effects, if any (whether positive or adverse), our policy decisions would have on —
(a) opportunities for persons to use the Welsh language, and
(b) treating the Welsh language no less favourably than the English language.

And consider how the policy could be formulated (or how an existing policy could be changed) so that it would have increased positive effects / reduced adverse effects on the Welsh Language.

Furthermore, when publishing a consultation document or commissioning research relating to a policy decision, opinion should be sought on the effect (positive or negative) the decision would have in terms of —
(a) opportunities to use the language,
(b) not treating the Welsh language less favourably than the English.

For policy decisions which require approval at Executive level, please complete a Welsh Language Impact Assesment Form.

The Centre for Welsh Language Services wlcstaff@aber.ac.uk can assist you in completing the assessment.

Welsh Language Impact Assessment – Guidance

What does ‘Policy Decision’ mean in the context of the Welsh Language Standards?

Do I need to complete a Welsh Language Impact Assessment for my proposal / paper?