Ofcom submits interactive report to Welsh Language Commissioner

7 Nov 2018 11:45 AM

Ofcom yesterday submitted its first annual report on compliance with the statutory Welsh Language Standards to the Welsh Language Commissioner.

The standards have allowed Ofcom to build on our work in Welsh since they were introduced in 2017.

Ofcom takes its obligations in relation to the Welsh language extremely seriously and treats the Welsh and English languages on the basis of equality.

Over the past year, we have:

• Produced Welsh language versions of key documents such as Connected Nation, Media Nation, Annual Report and a report on Representation and Portrayal on BBC Television.
• Launched a Welsh-language Twitter account, @OfcomCymraeg, to help engage with Welsh speakers; and
• Provided a range of bespoke resources in Welsh, including videos and ‘apps’ for checking broadband and mobile reception.

Our first annual report to the Welsh Language Commissioner is an interactive digital document. This format enables Ofcom to showcase its Welsh language activities in a visual and engaging way.

Alison Crosland, Ofcom’s Group Director for Corporate Services, said: “The Welsh language is an important part of everyday life in Wales, and we have been pleased to provide more services than ever before to Welsh speakers. We’re always seeking to do that in new and innovative ways.”

Ofcom regulates for people across the whole UK and its nations. Many people in Wales choose to communicate with Ofcom in Welsh, and we encourage them to do so.

Ofcom’s Wales office is based in Cardiff, and the team mostly consists of fluent Welsh speakers. This includes a Senior Welsh Language Adviser to support our work in Welsh and our commitment to the language.

Notes to editors

• The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 established a legal framework to impose duties on certain organisations to comply with standards in relation to the Welsh language.
• The standards issued to Ofcom are listed in Ofcom’s compliance notice and have been effective from 25 January 2017. The compliance notice carries Ofcom’s full authority, support and approval.
• Ofcom is the communications regulator in the UK. We regulate the TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms, mobiles, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate.