Prisons: Welsh Language

(asked on 28th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent assessment has he made of the compliance of (a) HMP Berwyn (b) other prisons in Wales with Welsh language equality legislation.


Answered by
Lucy Frazer Portrait
Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
This question was answered on 2nd February 2021

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service’s published the new Welsh Language Scheme for 2020-2023 in October 2020. The scheme covers both Wales and England and sets out how, in the conduct of public business and the administration of justice in Wales, it will treat the Welsh and English languages on a basis of equality. Compliance with the Scheme will be monitored throughout the life of the Scheme, with progress reports submitted to the Commissioner annually. The Welsh language has also been added to the revamped Equality Analysis process, meaning that all matters of policy and procedural change should be considering any impact on the Welsh language.

HMPPS Wales is fully committed to ensuring that the scheme is an intrinsic part of their work. The scheme has been promoted to staff and service users via a series of presentations and briefing sessions. In addition, an Intranet page has been created to provide resources to support implementation.

Every prison in Wales, including HMP Berwyn, has a Welsh Language Action plan which has been renewed in line with the new requirements and is owned by a member of the prison’s Senior Management Team. In addition, HMP Berwyn has a dedicated Welsh Language Lead who provide updates to their Diversity & Inclusion Committee, chaired by the Governor.

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