Last week we held a Welsh language discovery session led by Rhys Evans, Director of Ateb Cymru (no relation!), to explore how we can go further in promoting and embedding the Welsh language across our work.

The session gave us a powerful insight into the history and resilience of the Welsh language, including key turning points like the efforts of Trefor and Eileen Beasley and the Tynged yr Iaith speech. We also explored what the forthcoming Welsh Language Standards will mean for housing associations like ours and what steps we can start taking now to prepare.

As Jo Thomas, our People Partner, reflected:

“I particularly enjoyed learning about the history of the language. It was inspiring to hear what Trefor and Eileen did back in 1960 when the government was trying to suppress Welsh being spoken. Their story really stayed with me – I even told my family about it that evening.”

The session was also an important opportunity to ask ourselves: What more could we be doing to support and promote Cymraeg in our day-to-day work?
We reflected on what we’re already doing well, where we might have gaps, and what the likely requirements of the Welsh Language Standards will be – from bilingual service delivery and staff training to inclusive communications and the ‘active offer’ approach.

Jo added “It was a great way to explore what we currently do at ateb and what we might be required to do in future. It was pleasing to learn we already do a fair bit, but as we say at ateb – improvement is the day job.”

What’s next?

Rhys will now carry out a Welsh language gap analysis with each of our teams, helping to shape a clear action plan and ensure we’re ready for the upcoming standards. This will also support our commitment to inclusivity, equality, and stronger community engagement across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Diolch to everyone who took part and shared their thoughts – we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Published: 22/05/2025