Welsh language scheme

2 Service and Planning

2.1 New Policies and Initiatives

When the Inspectorate plans and formulates new policies or initiatives we will assess the linguistic consequences to make sure that they meet the commitments given in this scheme. The Inspectorate will use new policies and initiatives to facilitate the use of Welsh wherever possible and to move the Inspectorate closer to implementing the principle of equality at every opportunity. The Inspectorate will ensure that measures contained in this scheme are applied to new policies or initiatives when they are implemented. (Current practice)

The Inspectorate will consult with the Welsh Language Board before any new proposed policies or initiatives, which could affect the Inspectorate's Welsh Language Scheme, are made. Also, the Inspectorate will not alter the scheme without the Board's agreement.

Staff involved in formulating and implementing new policies and initiatives will be made aware of the requirements of the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language Scheme. Guidelines will be issued to staff concerning the likely impacts of the new proposals on the scheme and the steps required to ensure that these measures are complied with. (Target date: a month after scheme approved)

The Inspectorate is committed to operating within the terms of the scheme and Directors are responsible to the Chief Planning Inspector for its success. The Director for Wales has been given overall responsibility for ensuring that the scheme is being implemented, for monitoring its operation and for reporting on it to the Management Board. (Target date: 1998/99 reports)

The Head of Branch is responsible for implementing aspects of the scheme, ensuring that the Branch delivers services in line with the scheme. Staff including new recruits will receive detailed guidance on the use of Welsh in the Planning Inspectorate and the implications of this scheme. Guidance will also be provided to Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and Planning Inspectors on our expectations for the conduct of dealing with the public. (Target date: a month after scheme approved)

2.2 The Delivery of Services

It is the Inspectorate's aim to provide a consistent and reliable service for Welsh speakers in all our work. We have set up a small team of staff to deliver the service to Welsh speakers and have a contract with a translation firm. Informal arrangements are also made with the National Assembly for Wales to assist in the quality control of the Welsh language translation of our decision letters. Some of the services we provide are delivered by the Inspectorate in Bristol. Here we have arrangements in place in order that they implement the commitments in this scheme. In relation to services delivered on our behalf by LPAs we will encourage them to respond positively to the Act to facilitate the use of Welsh and delivering a bilingual service. Our facilities note to LPAs will include a reference to this scheme and any face to face meetings will emphasise the Inspectorate's commitment to treat the Welsh and English languages in a way which respects the principle of equality. (Current practice)

2.3 The Standard of Service in Welsh

The Inspectorate welcomes dealings in Welsh and English and aims to provide an equally effective standard of service in both languages.

The principle of delivering an equally high service in both languages will be stated in key documents such as our annual report and business and corporate plan. (Target date: 1999 reports)

The Inspectorate's aim is to provide a high standard of service and customer care in every aspect of its work in accordance with the commitments contained in this scheme.

All charter standard targets will apply to both languages and the standards and their implementation will be closely monitored. We aim for consistency in the standard of our services, regardless of whether those services are delivered in Welsh or English. (Target date: a month after scheme approved)

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