How to implement a Gaelic language plan

An effectively written Gaelic language plan enables successful implementation. It is also important to remember that plans will only have a maximum lifespan of five years before they are reviewed. It is crucial that the development of Gaelic within an organisation is seen as a long-term commitment, impacting across all departments, with consecutive reviews of the plan building on previous achievements to reach the long-term goal. This requires leadership, innovation, vision and coordination.

 

Monitoring

The 2005 Act places responsibility on the Bòrd for monitoring progress with implementation of Gaelic language plans. This process requires the public authority to provide information on progress regarding all commitments in the plan on an annual basis if requested by the Bòrd. It is advised that a commitment to provide a yearly monitoring report to the Bòrd is included in your plan. This annual monitoring process is supplemented by less frequent independent external assessments.

Monitoring the plan is not just essential for effective implementation, it also informs the review process and allows for regular evaluation. In order to support you in this process the Bòrd has developed a monitoring report template: use of this will ensure that you are reporting on all the required elements and ensures that the Bòrd gains an effective overview of delivery of plans across Scotland. Your monitoring process should include:

  • progress reports to Bòrd na Gàidhlig, submitted annually on the date which the plan was agreed by the Bòrd
  • internal audits of staff Gaelic language skills and Gaelic awareness, and Gaelic services
  • auditing of the impact of corporate plans and policies on the status, visibility and provision of Gaelic, which is fundamental to the effective mainstreaming of the language