Cafcass Cymru Welsh Language and Culture Framework 2026 to 2031
Framework setting out how Cafcass Cymru will promote and strengthen Welsh language and culture across the organisation between 2026 and 2031.
In this page
Introduction
Purpose of this framework
Cafcass Cymru works with children and families across Wales and the Welsh language and culture are a fundamental part of that context. This framework sets out how we will continue to strengthen the visibility, understanding and use of the Welsh language and culture across our organisation and in our work with others.
Building on our previous framework (2022 to 2025) and aligned with our 2026 to 2031 strategic plan, this framework defines our approach to raising awareness of the richness of Welsh culture and developing Welsh language provision in both our internal and external services. It also reaffirms our ongoing commitment to adhering to the Welsh Language Standards.
Our aim is not only to meet requirements, but to support a culture where the Welsh language and culture are visible, valued and meaningfully reflected in everyday practice.
Who the framework applies to
This framework applies to all Cafcass Cymru staff.
While senior leaders play an important role in setting direction and modelling behaviours, delivery of this framework is a shared responsibility. All staff, regardless of their level of Welsh language ability, have a role to play in contributing to a more bilingual and culturally aware organisation.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where staff feel confident to engage with the Welsh language and culture in ways that are appropriate to their role and experience.
Measuring progress
To provide direction and accountability to the delivery of the framework’s aims, a detailed plan setting out the activity we’ll undertake has been developed. This will be used as the basis reporting progress to the senior leadership teams at agreed intervals.
Together, these actions will increase visibility, build confidence and support the consistent use of Welsh across Cafcass Cymru.
Our approach
To support our aims, we have adopted a simple, continuous improvement model based on three key elements: visibility, confidence and usage.
Our approach is centred on the principle that increasing the visibility of the Welsh language and culture builds staff confidence to use it in their work. As confidence grows, so too does usage, which in turn further strengthens visibility across the organisation.
This creates a continuous cycle of improvement, supporting both individual development and organisational change.
To put this approach into practice, we have identified five clear organisational commitments.
The framework in action: our aims
We have identified a model which support the promotion, use and understanding of the Welsh language and culture within Cafcass Cymru, how we aim to achieve these aims are outlined below:
Continued adherence to the Welsh Language Standards
- Work with the Welsh Language Co-ordinator and Welsh Government Standards Team to ensure ongoing compliance
- Ensure all publicly available content and key organisational communications are provided bilingually
- Maintain an understanding of workforce Welsh language skills through regular analysis to inform planning and resilience
Increase the visibility of the Welsh language in everyday work
- Prepare core corporate communications bilingually (e.g. CEO messages, newsletters, all-staff updates)
- Encourage the use of courtesy Welsh in meetings, emails, training and materials
- Provide accessible Welsh language resources to support staff in day-to-day use
Build staff confidence to use Welsh
- Provide a central digital space (e.g. MS Teams) to share resources, learning opportunities and practical support
- Promote the use of Welsh through internal communications and shared learning (e.g. blogs, peer experiences)
- Develop and share simple, practical tools (e.g. commonly used words and phrases) to support everyday use
Support the development of Welsh language skills
- Promote Welsh language learning opportunities, ensuring these are visible and accessible to all staff
- Encourage leadership teams to actively support staff to begin or continue their Welsh language learning
- Create opportunities for peer support and shared learning across the organisation
Promote and embed understanding of Welsh culture
- Raise awareness of Welsh culture and its diversity through internal communications and organisational activity
- Promote national and regional cultural events and opportunities for staff engagement
- Support staff to understand how Welsh language and culture informs our work with children, families and stakeholders
Welsh language services and further information
For more information about Welsh language services and support, please visit:
Cafcass Cymru
Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru)
Information on Welsh language policy, Cymraeg 2050 and resources to support bilingual Wales.
Helo Blod
Free Welsh language advice and translation support service funded by Welsh Government.
Welsh Language Commissioner (Comisiynydd y Gymraeg)
Information about language rights, Welsh Language Standards and promoting the use of Welsh.
Learn Welsh (Dysgu Cymraeg) / National Centre for Learning Welsh
National Welsh language learning provider offering courses for all levels.