Welsh Language Commissioner renews call for application of language standards to more organisations

Efa Gruffudd Jones, Welsh Language Commissioner, said that during the review that arrangements at the service need to be strengthened, clarity improved, and confidence of Welsh-speaking prisoners in the practical delivery of provision increased.

However, as an executive agency of the Crown, the prison and probation service is not currently subject to the Welsh language standards, and therefore the powers of the Commissioner are limited as a result.

Gruffudd Jones said: "Following a visit to Berwyn prison last year, where I had the opportunity to discuss Welsh language provision with staff and prisoners, it became clear that there were concerns regarding the implementation of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Welsh language scheme.”

Research by experts from Cardiff and Liverpool universities also echoed these concerns, highlighting that the fundamental rights of Welsh speakers are not being sufficiently considered in prisons in Wales, she added.

The Commissioner therefore set in motion an investigation into how the Welsh language is treated across the prison and probation service, with the aim of ensuring that the commitments within its language scheme are implemented effectively and lead to meaningful improvements.

She said: “Although the investigation identified significant concerns about the experiences of some prisoners in relation to the use of Welsh, it is important to emphasise that the available evidence is limited in scope and nature.”

As a result, it was not possible for the Commissioner to reach a definitive conclusion that His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service had failed to comply with its Welsh language scheme based on the evidence considered.

“However, the investigation has highlighted clear areas where arrangements need to be strengthened, clarity improved, and confidence of Welsh-speaking prisoners in the practical delivery of provision increased.”

Gruffudd Jones said her office would work with officials to ensure that her recommendations are implemented promptly.

The expansion of the Commissioner’s powers would require amendment to the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.

The report, Investigation under Section 17 of the Welsh Language Act 1993: HM Prison and Probation Service, can be found here.

Harry Rodd