Welsh Language Steering Group

Minutes of meeting held on 13 March 2012 at Usk HQ

Present: Rob Gilvear; Nikki Gamlin; Jennie Richards; Gary Handley; Jen Jenkins; Kelly Young; Geraint Wilson-Price; Helen Lawless; Matt Smith; Sue Snowball; Keith Backhouse; Victoria King; Pam Hales; Matt Williams (for Eira Miles)

Apologies: Lynda Astell; Guy Lacey; Pauline Brelsford; Aled Pugh; Chris Smith

Agenda Item & Action / By whom
1.  Minutes of the last meeting
·  RG outlined the responses to the questionnaire on the use of a simultaneous translation service at the last meeting. Generally there was mixed responses, but the meeting agreed to use the service occasionally, and agreed to use it at the next meeting
·  RG has incorporated the feedback on the Bilingual Strategy, and will issue the final version asap
·  Following the staff audit, HR have contacted those staff with Welsh language skills, and KY is following up on any responses, which have been few. KY will attend Campus management meetings to progress further / RG
RG
KY
2. Staff Development
KY distributed a summary of Welsh language courses on offer (including those for students) see separate attachment.
KY highlighted training within Hair & Beauty at Crosskeys and this should be considered for all campuses.
JAR suggested creating a separate section in the Teaching & Learning Plan on Welsh language courses.
Courses for ‘front of house’ staff had been undertaken at 2 Campuses, and are scheduled for the other Campuses.
GH asked that all staff training should be formally recorded. SS felt this should be done already but will check.
Following a below-par staff training session by Sgiliaith, a revised 3 day course has been set up in July.
KY reminded the meeting of the importance of getting staff onto the Sabbatical schemes. It was agreed that every attempt should be made to support staff who want to undertake these intensive programmes, whilst recognising the issues over replacement cover. However the Group agreed that if sufficient notice was given refusal for attendance would only be for exceptional circumstances / KY/GH/KB/JJ
JAR/SS
SS/KY
KY
GH/KB/JJ
3.  Bilingual Champion’s Update
In line with JB’s instructions, KY has arranged that all Campuses will offer students some form of Welsh language courses before next term starts.
KY distributed an update on progress on achieving WG outputs. Of particular note:
·  #9: KY suggested including an introduction on Welsh language as part of Induction; KY suggesting writing bespoke OCNs with Sean Driscoll from WfA Centre for Catering, Tourism, & Retail
·  #10: details Welsh language information on enrolment forms were not always as accurate as should be and KY to discuss with PB; identifying students coming from Welsh-medium schools was a high priority and should be part of the Application process – NG to check with CS. RG will re-issue KY’s report on Welsh-medium students; it was suggested that Welsh-speaking students could be identified and a discussion held as part of induction with personal tutor, with details recorded on e-ILP; it was agreed that processes need to be put in place to ensure Welsh-speaking students (particularly those from WM schools) should have been identified and interviewed by the first half term; it was agreed that WBL students should be part of the same process
·  #17: Mentors are needed for mentoring scheme, and will probably be identified through Sabbatical Scheme process; KY in discussion with SS on having learning Mentors for Welsh language
It was agreed that Welsh-medium or bilingual provision needs to be part of the curriculum planning process. KY will attend the Deputy Directors’ meeting.
KY highlighted funding for development of Welsh–medium tasters for WM schools. Possible option include Childcare at Newport, and Hospitality at Crosskeys / KY/CDs
KY/CS
KY/SD
KY/PB
NG/CS
RG
KY/CS
KY/CS
KY/VK
KY/SS
KY/NG
KY/HoS
4.  Welsh Language Board Feedback on the Annual Report
RG outlined the very positive response form the WLB to the Annual Report submitted prior to Xmas. The good work being facilitated by the Bilingual Champion has been recognised. The Group congratulated Kelly on the progress being made.
5.  Date of Next Meeting
11.30 am, 9 May 2012 (following CSMT); venue to be confirmed.