Meeting the Welsh Language Standards

In common with the other healthcare regulators, the GCC is now covered by the Welsh Language Standards, meaning that from next year chiropractors will be able to register with the GCC through the Welsh language. The standards will also create rights in terms of participating in legal proceedings in Welsh, and further rights through service and operating standards.

Many of the changes have already been implemented - with the GCC website and many key documents already available in Welsh.

GCC CEO and registrar Nick Jones said,

"We are pleased of the progress we have made and recognise the importance of these changes to patients and registrants in Wales. As the smallest of the regulators affected, and with no Welsh speaking staff, it has not been an easy task for us to meet the challenge set for us by the Welsh Language Commissioner. The standard goes beyond just being able to provide our services in the Welsh Language. We also have a responsibility to make sure that we consider how the decisions we make will impact the Welsh language and Welsh culture".

Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones said,

"The aim of the standards is to ensure that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language in Wales and that the Welsh language is clearly promoted and facilitated. In health matters, it is crucial that people are offered a service in their language of choice and this step today of imposing a compliance notice on the regulatory bodies for health professionals expands the rights of workers in the sector.

"In order for the Welsh language to survive and for it to be a living language that can be used on a daily basis, it needs to be seen prominently in all areas of work within our communities and within different sectors."

You can read the standards as they apply to the GCC on our policies page.