Medr responds to first advice on its duties relating to the Welsh language

Medr has today welcomed its first advice from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol on its duties relating to the Welsh language, reflecting their shared ambitions to encourage the demand for, and the participation in, tertiary education provided through the medium of Welsh.  

The advice, published by the Coleg, follows the Coleg’s designation to advise Medr, on its duty to promote tertiary education through the medium of Welsh, and has been considered in detail by our Board.  

The Coleg’s advice sets out steps that Medr and the tertiary education sector should take in supporting the Welsh Government’s ambitions for the Welsh language and the goals of Cymraeg 2050. This includes a central recommendation that Medr should develop a National Plan for the Welsh language across the tertiary education sector, which the Medr Board has agreed.

Medr’s Strategic Plan will be submitted to Welsh ministers in December 2024. The advice from the Coleg, combined with engagement across the tertiary education sector, has played a crucial role in shaping how Medr will respond to its strategic duties to the Welsh language.

Simon Pirotte OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Medr, said: “The relationship with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol is of vital importance to Medr. We are united in our desire to see the Welsh language thriving in Wales, and committed to ensuring the tertiary education sector plays its part in realising a vision for a million speakers in Wales by 2050. The advice we have received marks the start of a significant new phase of working together, building on the positive foundations we have already established. A National Plan will be a crucial driver in enabling more learners to develop, maintain and use their Welsh language skills.”

Medr will continue to fully take account of the Coleg’s advice as it implements its Strategic Plan 2025-2030 in partnership with all stakeholders.