Our Welsh Language Commitment

Our Welsh Language Commitment

The National Heritage Memorial Fund / National Lottery Heritage Fund has adopted the principle that, in the conduct of public business in Wales, it will treat the Welsh and English languages on a basis of equality. 

We're currently operating under our Welsh Language Scheme which was approved by the Welsh Language Board on 28 June 2007. 

This plan sets out how we will implement that principle in providing services to the public in Wales.

We're currently working with the Welsh Language Commissioner to continue to improve and update our current Welsh Language Scheme and we're aiming to publish the revised scheme as soon as possible. We will introduce new commitments as well as publishing a guidance and a comprehensive new package of resources to promote bilingualism that will help projects to deliver in Welsh and English in Wales.

What do I need to do now? 

If you have received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver your project in Wales, you will need to do so in Welsh and English. Offering services, activities, and literature to the project participants in both languages is part of your Approved Purposes described in your Grant Notification Letter.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to ensure that your project reaches a wider range of people. Welsh speakers must be able to access information and services in Welsh and materials must be produced for the public in both languages. Embedding the use of Welsh is good practice and will ensure that the project better meets the needs of Welsh speakers and learners.

It is important that you think about how you will carry out your project bilingually before you submit your application for funding, as you will need to include any associated costs within your project budget. You should demonstrate clearly how you will offer bilingual provision in your project budget and plan and include the budget for translation under the 'Other' costs category in the project costs section of the application form.

We have a direct e-mail address in the Fund to answer any questions you may have about being bilingual. Please contact cymorthcymraeg@heritagefund.org.uk or our main email address wales@heritagefund.org.uk and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.

You can also speak directly to your Investment Manager or one of our Engagement Managers at the start of the application process.

Guidance

We're currently working on writing a new guidance to projects on how to deliver their work in Welsh and English. The work is currently ongoing and we're aiming to publish the document in the near future. 

We have a fully bilingual team at the Heritage Fund in Wales, so you are warmly welcome to speak to your Investment Manager or e-mail cymorthcymraeg@heritagefund.org.uk for advice on translation, recruitment and other things relating to the delivery of a successful bilingual project.

Feedback 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales is a truly bilingually organisation and we’re proud to be able to provide a full service to our customers in both Welsh and English. Occasionally, things don’t go according to plan. If you’d like to discuss the service you’ve received in either Welsh or English, please contact us on cymorthcymraeg@heritagefund.org.uk

Useful links

  • Our acknowledgement stamps and logos (all projects in Wales must use our Welsh/English acknowledgement materials 
  • In your area: Wales
  • Local Places for Nature - A capital grant scheme intended to enable communities in Wales to restore and enhance nature.
  • Community Woodlands - A capital grant scheme intended to restore, create, connect and manage woodlands in Wales.
  • Welsh Language Commissioner - The Welsh Language Commissioner was established in 2012 to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh. The Welsh Language Commissioner's vision is a Wales where people can use the Welsh language in their everyday lives.
  • Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru - If you are looking for a translator or interpreter, you will find the only list of competent translators and interpreters and their details on the the association of Welsh translators and interpreters' website.