Gaelic language plan 2021-2026 - draft: consultation

Chapter III: Commitments

High-Level Aims

The Scottish Government has worked with Bòrd na Gaidhlig to create a number of High Level Aims which reflect our commitment for the Gaelic language at a strategic level and are closely linked to the National Gaelic Language Plan 2018-23.

Increasing the use of Gaelic

High-level Aim:

The progress and partnership working model created by the Faster Rate of Progress initiative will be supported by all SG departments to ensure cooperation in supporting the Gaelic Language.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government regards Gaelic as a priority and this is reflected in our manifesto commitments and Programme for Government.

The Faster Rate of Progress initiative has been in place for three years and brings together a variety of public authorities who are working across Scotland to support the Gaelic language and those who wish to use it.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Faster Rate of Progress initiative is a cornerstone to the Scottish Government's Gaelic policy and this will continue along with partners.

Other areas of the Scottish Government may join as agreed by Ministers and this will remain the case.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Gaelic and Scots team

Increasing the learning of Gaelic

High-level Aim:

Scottish Government will grow the use of Gaelic when interacting with the public in response to the communities it serves and in line with the NGLP.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has an open offer to engage through the medium of Gaelic.

In addition, SG Communications are happy to take written media requests in Gaelic.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government will continue to have an open offer for members of the public to communicate in Gaelic.

In addition, SG Communications are happy to take written media requests in Gaelic.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Corporate/Gaelic and Scots team/Communications

High Level Aim:

Scottish Government will seek to embed Gaelic in all new education policy initiatives.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government is committed to the growth of Gaelic education at all levels and therefore considers Gaelic needs as policies are developed.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government will continue to reflect on the needs of the Gaelic education and Gaelic learner education at all levels as policies are developed.

It is hoped that representation from across the Learning Directorate will be involved in the proposed Scottish Government Gaelic Plan Implementation Group and therefore ensure that Gaelic is considered in educational developments.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility and Education

Corporate/Gaelic and Scots team/Communications

Promoting a positive image of Gaelic

High-level Aim:

Scottish Government will establish a Gaelic Language Plan Implementation group which will include representation from across SG Directorates.

Current Practice:

The Gaelic and Scots team currently promote the commitments in the Gaelic Language Plan.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government will establish a Gaelic Language Plan Implementation Group with representatives from across Directorates.

A Terms of Reference for the Group will be created and outcomes will be included on the Gaelic pages on the Corporate website.

Target Date:

2022 then on-going

Responsibility:

Gaelic and Scots team/other Directorates

Corporate Service Aims

This is the Scottish Government's third reiteration of our Gaelic Language Plan and since 2010 we have taken incremental steps to support Gaelic through our corporate services.

Previous commitments will continue unless there is a change to corporate delivery and where this occurs we will consider how Gaelic can be supported in this change.

Status

Desired Outcome:

Logo and brand

Render the corporate logo and branding in both Gaelic and English at the first opportunity and as part of any renewal process. The logo should demonstrate equal prominence for both languages.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has a bilingual logo and guidelines are available to staff on its use.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The bilingual logo will continue to be used across our activities and we will highlight the guidelines to staff via our corporate Gaelic pages.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Communications/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Signage

Prominent signage will include Gaelic and English as part of any renewal process.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has Gaelic signage at Victoria Quay and some of our area offices.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

Gaelic signage will continue to be updated on a replacement basis.

The Scottish Government will consider the level of Gaelic signage in our hub offices as these are developed.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Facilities Management

Communicating with the Public

Desired Outcome:

Promotion

Positive message that communication from the public in Gaelic is always welcome.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has an active offer and welcomes correspondence in Gaelic.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23

We will continue to welcome communications in Gaelic and promote this service on our public engagement platforms.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Public Engagement Unit

Desired Outcome:

Written Communication

Written communication in Gaelic is always accepted (post, email and social media) and replies will be provided in Gaelic in accordance with the general policy.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government welcomes correspondence in Gaelic and any correspondence that is received in Gaelic is responded to in Gaelic.

The Gaelic and Scots team continue to provide support across the Scottish Government and provide translation services for colleagues.

Our automatically generated text such as email disclaimers are bilingual.

A Gaelic version of our Complaints leaflet is available online.

The Scots and Gaelic Team work with Public Engagement Unit to ensure bilingual letter templates for Ministers, Directorates and Divisions are provided.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government has a newly developed correspondence system and we will work to:

Ensure that the generic acknowledgements are bilingual.

New Ministerial, Directorate and Divisional templates will continue to be provided and all staff will be encouraged to use these.

Online Guidance on the use of the correspondence system will incorporate advice on Gaelic.

The complaints procedure is currently being reviewed. This will include a Gaelic introduction.

Target Date:

2023

Responsibility:

Public Engagement Unit and Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Reception and phone

Where Gaelic speaking staff can provide this service, they are supported to do so, and the service is promoted to the public.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has Gaelic welcomes in our reception and Gaelic signage in Victoria Quay.

Our front of house and Central Enquiries Unit staff receiving enquiries (telephone, mail or email) in Gaelic can pass these on to the Gaelic team where a fluent Gaelic speaker can respond to their queries.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

This commitment will remain in place with new staff having access to Gaelic through our induction and Gaelic pages of our corporate website.

We will encourage these staff to use the Gaelic phrases on the website when approached by members of the public.

Media should use the agreed protocols and written Media enquiries are accepted in Gaelic.

Our switchboard will have updated automated messages in Gaelic.

We will commit to expanding advertisement of our CEU posts, where possible, to try and attract Gaelic speaking individuals with the required skillset to join the CEU team.

Consideration shall be given to establishing a separate contact number for Gaelic callers to use. If delivered, this will be published and promoted.

Consideration will be given to the impact of any technology refresh of the systems in use by the CEU to improve the service to Gaelic speakers wherever possible.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

ITECS/Facilities Management/Communications

Desired Outcome:

Public meetings

Opportunities to hold public meetings bilingually or in Gaelic are regularly explored and promoted.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government encourages the use of Gaelic at public meetings in areas where there are a high percentages of Gaelic speakers or on the subject of Gaelic.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will develop particular content in relation to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Langauge Plan to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

All Directorates/Gaelic and Scots team

Information

Desired Outcome:

Media

High profile news releases and all news releases related to Gaelic are circulated in both Gaelic and English.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government issues news releases on Gaelic language matters in both English and Gaelic. Upon request, we provide Ministerial quotes to third parties in Gaelic.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will continue to issue news releases in Gaelic to Gaelic media outlets.

We will take further steps and issue news releases in Gaelic to Gaelic media outlets on very high profile matters that affect Gaelic speaking communities.

We will also provide written comment in Gaelic on any issue upon request.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Communications (News)

Desired Outcome:

Social Media

Gaelic content distributed regularly through social media, guided by the level of actual and potential users.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government uses Gaelic in our dedicated social media feeds.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23

We will continue to promote Gaelic through our dedicated Gaelic Twitter account and promote the work of others through this account.

In addition, we will look to expand the Gaelic content by using Gaelic more frequently on @scotgovedu and consider how this could be rolled out to other portfolio twitter channels.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Communications/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Website

Gaelic content should be available on the public authority's website, with emphasis given to the pages with the highest potential reach.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has Gaelic content on its website.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will increase Gaelic presence on the Scottish Government corporate website on the basis of the principle of equal respect, visibility and usability of Gaelic.

We will develop particular content in relation to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plan to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Communications/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Corporate Publications

Produced in Gaelic and English, with priority given to those with the highest potential reach.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government recognises the value of using Gaelic in our publications.

We will ensure that consultations are issued bilingually where appropriate, and responses in Gaelic are encouraged. Consultation responses received in Gaelic will be responded to in Gaelic.

In addition, Gaelic translations of Scottish Government printed materials are available on request.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will continue to produce Gaelic publications and will include guidance on this in the proposed Gaelic corporate pages to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

All Directorates/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Language utility

A process is in place to ensure that the quality and accessibility of Gaelic language in all corporate information is high.

Current Practice:

We have access to high quality advice and translation to ensure high quality of resources.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will develop particular content in relation to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plan to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

Gaelic and Scots

Staff

Desired Outcome:

Internal audit

Conduct an internal audit of Gaelic skills and training needs through the life of each plan.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government undertook a staff survey in 2010.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government will undertake a staff audit of Gaelic language and skills.

Target Date:

2022

Responsibility:

Gaelic and Scots team/Learning Analysis

Desired Outcome:

Induction

Knowledge of the public authority's Gaelic Language Plan included in new staff inductions.

Current Practice:

There has been little or no Gaelic in our induction process for new staff.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government will introduce a Gaelic section in to our induction pack for new staff.

We have an open offer to provide Gaelic sections for any local induction packs.

The Gaelic and Scots team to provide support at welcome events for staff.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

People Development/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Language training

Gaelic language skills training and development offered to staff, particularly in relation to implementing the public authority's Gaelic Language Plan.

Current Practice:

Language learning is available to all staff that wish to undertake this.

Training budgets are provided at a local level which enables staff the opportunity to consider the right training that they require to deliver their roles.

Advice on courses is available from the Gaelic and Scots team and People Development.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

The Scottish Government will continue to promote Gaelic language learning opportunities.

We are developing a new Learning Experience Platform and we will ensure Gaelic is incorporated to maximise the learning opportunities for staff.

We will develop interactive materials on the Gaelic Language Plan.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

People Development/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Awareness training

Gaelic awareness training offered to staff.

Current Practice:

In addition to the Gaelic awareness sessions included in our induction events, the Gaelic and Scots team offer awareness sessions to other Divisions.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will continue to provide the offer for Gaelic awareness sessions and will consider Gaelic awareness contents for the new Learning Experience Platform to maximise the learning opportunities for staff.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

People Development/Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Recruitment

Recognising and respecting Gaelic skills within the recruitment process throughout the public authority.

Current Practice:

Level of Gaelic skills required for certain posts will be considered where necessary and specified when recruiting to these posts. This will include posts for which Gaelic skills are essential.

Level of Gaelic skills considered when recruiting to certain posts as necessary.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

This commitment will continue and advice on this will be part of our corporate website.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

HR Policy and Delivery

Desired Outcome:

Recruitment

Gaelic named as an essential and/or desirable skill in job descriptions in order to deliver the Gaelic Language Plan and in accordance with Bòrd na Gàidhlig recruitment advice.

Current Practice:

Consideration is given to posts and whether Gaelic is essential or desirable.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

Posts will continue to be considered Gaelic essential or desirable.

Level of Gaelic skills considered when recruiting to certain posts as necessary.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

HR Policy and Delivery

Desired Outcome:

Recruitment

Bilingual or Gaelic only job adverts for all posts where Gaelic is an essential skill.

Current Practice:

Gaelic posts are advertised bilingually.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

Gaelic posts will continue to be advertised bilingually.

Advice will feature on our Gaelic corporate pages.

Target Date:

On-going

Responsibility:

HR Policy and Delivery

Gaelic Language Corpus

Desired Outcome:

Gaelic Orthographic Conventions

The most recent Gaelic Orthographic Conventions (GOC) will be followed in relation to all written materials produced by the public authority.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government has regard for the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will continue to follow the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions.

We will include details regarding GOC in our Gaelic corporate website to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.

Target Date:

2023

Responsibility:

Gaelic and Scots team

Desired Outcome:

Place-names

Gaelic place name advice from Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (AAA) is sought and used.

Current Practice:

The Scottish Government works closely with AAA to ensure that correct details and advice is acquired.

We are also a member of AAA's committee.

SG Gaelic Plan, 2018-23:

We will continue to work with Ainmean Àite na h-Alba (Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland) to ensure consistent orthography of Gaelic in place-names.

We will include details regarding AAA's work in our Gaelic corporate website to ensure staff have the knowledge that they require to deliver our duties of support for the Gaelic Language.

Target Date:

2023

Responsibility:

Gaelic and Scots team