Gwent Police has joined an expanding scheme aimed at helping staff members gain Welsh language abilities.
The force has teamed up with the National Centre for Learning Welsh to boost bilingual competencies among officers and employees, with tutor Esther Attree conducting classes at their headquarters.
Mark Hobrough, the chief constable of Gwent Police, said the force is committed to encouraging increased usage of Welsh, and by working alongside Esther and the National Centre for Learning Welsh, they are giving officers and staff members the opportunity to develop the confidence and skills to weave Welsh seamlessly into their everyday work.
This supports their ambition to operate as an approachable police service, ensuring that all residents in their communities can communicate with them in whichever language they choose.
By investing in their team and providing educational opportunities that are readily accessible, they are strengthening their bond with the public they serve and preserving confidence among communities throughout their area.
The training programme is part of a wider campaign by the National Centre for Learning Welsh to support essential industries with tailored language instruction.
Since the courses began in 2018, 30,000 workers have finished their training.
More than 20,000 people are presently learning Welsh, with almost 40 percent taking part in courses delivered in workplace settings.
Dona Lewis, chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, explained that the centre maintains strong partnerships with businesses across vital sectors to provide bespoke and flexible training that meets the particular needs of specific workforces.
Their aim is to increase staff members’ confidence in using Welsh in professional environments and enhance service quality for local people.
This method is earning acknowledgement and is creating growing prospects for people to study and apply Welsh.
Gwent Police’s programme is coordinated locally via Learn Welsh Gwent, which operates under the supervision of Coleg Gwent.