My Department has adopted a Welsh language scheme approved by the Welsh Language Board on 13 July 2004 and is committed to treating the Welsh and English languages on a basis of equality when providing a service to the public in Wales. The scheme covers both the main departmental businesses and all sponsored bodies that do not have separate schemes of their own. The main DWP Scheme is currently being formally reviewed at the request of the Welsh Language Board.
My officials regularly and continuously monitor the use made of the Welsh language services we provide for the public in Wales. They also ensure that suitable Welsh language provision is built in to all new services and benefits being developed by the Department. In addition, each year officials in the main customer-facing businesses in Wales carry out voluntary staff audits to confirm that there are sufficient members of staff who are able to conduct business in Welsh.
The Welsh Language Board is satisfied that my Department is fully meeting the commitments set out in the scheme.