Our Bilingual Organisation
Page updated on: 27/10/2026
Why is bilingualism important to Carmarthenshire County Council?
Carmarthenshire has one of largest number of Welsh speakers in Wales, and the Welsh language is an important part of our communities, culture and heritage.
As a bilingual organisation operating through the medium of Welsh and English, we have a statutory duty to provide services in both languages. This means that the people of Carmarthenshire can access services in the language of their choice.
Cymraeg belongs to us all, and we are passionate about promoting and protecting the Welsh language and encouraging our staff to use and develop their Welsh skills. By doing so, we can provide a better service to our residents and help ensure that Welsh remains a living language in Carmarthenshire.
Our Bilingual Culture
Cymraeg belongs to us all, and this is true for our organisation too.
We don't expect your Welsh to be perfect. By using the Welsh you already have, together we can increase the use of Welsh in our day-to-day working lives and help create a truly bilingual culture.
Working bilingually is about more than language skills alone. It's about creating an environment where Welsh and English can both be used naturally and confidently, where everyone feels supported to use the language at a level that is comfortable for them.
A bilingual organisation is not one that translates documents – it is one where WELSH and ENGLISH can both be used NATURALLY and CONFIDENTLY. Ensure that our staff and community the choice of language
Whether you speak Welsh daily, learning Welsh for the first time, or rediscovering Welsh you learnt at school, everyone has a role to play in supporting and promoting the language.
All roles within the Council have Welsh and English language requirements ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, depending on the nature of the role.
No.
Only 40% of our workforce are bilingual. Different roles require different levels of Welsh language ability. Some positions may require basic courtesy skills, while others may require the ability to communicate confidently through the medium of Welsh as part of day-to-day duties. Use the Cymraeg that you have, and we will support you on your journey every step of the way.
Different roles require different levels of Welsh language ability, and many employees are developing their Welsh skills on a daily basis whilst working for the Council.
Many of our staff learnt Welsh at school and may not have used it for many years. Don't worry if that's you. Often it's not about learning Welsh from scratch - it's about rebuilding confidence and finding opportunities to use the Welsh you already have.
We encourage everyone to use the Welsh they have, whatever their level, and we will support you on your language journey every step of the way, whether it’s a weekly course, mentoring or to increase confidence.
You may already have learnt Welsh at school, and not used it since
Don't worry - you can still apply.
If you are successful in securing a role and need support to develop your Welsh language skills, we will fund and support your learning during working hours. A range of learning options are available to help you reach the required level for your role.
As Welsh language skills form part of the essential criteria for many of our roles, some candidates may be invited to complete a Welsh language assessment as part of the recruitment process, usually on the same day as interview.
The assessment helps us understand your current Welsh language ability and ensures that candidates are assessed fairly and consistently against the language requirements of the role.
What can I expect?
Please do not worry about it! Our Welsh language assessments are conducted in a friendly and supportive environment and are tailored to the language level required for the role. Think of it as having a ‘sgwrs’ chat with someone about everyday activities.
Depending on the level being assessed, you may be asked to:
-
Take part in a conversation in Welsh.
-
Discuss everyday or work-related topics.
-
Demonstrate your understanding of spoken Welsh.
-
Complete a short writing task, such as writing an email or producing a short piece of work relevant to the role.
The assessment is designed to reflect how Welsh is used in real and normal situations and is not intended to catch anyone out.
If you are unable to complete every task, don't worry. The assessment also helps us identify what support may be needed to help you continue developing your Welsh language skills.
You can begin developing your Welsh language skills before joining Carmarthenshire County Council through free courses provided by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
The Welcome Welsh Part 1 and Welcome Welsh Part 2 courses are ideal for complete beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills.
Whether you're taking your first steps in Welsh, rediscovering the language, or looking to grow your confidence, there are plenty of opportunities to support you. Explore a range of courses and resources designed to help you use the Welsh you already have, including podcasts, television programmes, online content and learning opportunities for all levels.
Carmarthenshire County Council Staff Learning Journeys:
Increase confidence course
“The Welsh Confidence course was great as it helped develop my confidence in speaking Welsh and it has proven beneficial to my work. The course helped me practice my Welsh in a relaxed environment for 2 hours per week which I felt to be the right amount of learning time. It was held virtually which was very convenient. I now feel more confident to speak Welsh with my colleagues and to use the language in my workplace.”
1-week Use Work Welsh course:
“The course has given me more confidence in the office and out of work. This course will help me to use Welsh language more confidently with both staff and clients in the good working in the community and in the hospital”
“This course gives you lots of confidence to use Welsh in your work place”
Learning Welsh Course:
“Since starting my employment in June 2019, I was encouraged and supported to learn Welsh by following a weekly course. To my ability I have tried using the Welsh I have learned in conversation with the groups I work with in the community. My efforts are well received and I'm always encouraged to practice new phrases with people in the community and colleagues. I have been partnered with a colleague as my Welsh Mentor to practice conversational Welsh.”
