Eryri becomes the first National Park Authority in Wales to sign the Twf Charter

Eryri National Park Authority has strengthened its commitment to the Welsh language by signing the ‘Twf Charter – The Welsh Language in the Workplace Charter’, becoming the first National Park Authority in Wales to adopt it.

By signing the charter, the Authority is reaffirming its commitment to promoting the Welsh language in the workplace and ensuring that staff are supported to use, develop and build confidence in their Welsh language skills.

The Twf Charter was developed by TUC Cymru as an enabling framework that helps workers, their trade unions and employers work together to create inclusive bilingual workplaces and increase the use of Welsh at work. The charter is based on four core principles: Welsh language growth and rights, inclusion and linguistic justice, leadership and accountability, and continuous learning and confidence building.

By signing the charter, the Authority and its trade unions are committing to working together to create an inclusive workplace where Welsh is seen, heard and used naturally as part of everyday work. The charter will also help strengthen opportunities for staff to use Welsh confidently, learn the language and further develop their skills, contributing towards the goals of Cymraeg 2050 and the national ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers.

Jonathan Cawley, Chief Executive of Eryri National Park Authority, said:

“As an Authority serving an area where the Welsh language is an integral part of everyday life, promoting and supporting the language is central to the work of Eryri National Park Authority.

The Welsh language is part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of the National Park and is one of the special qualities that make Eryri unique.

Ensuring that staff are able to live and work through the medium of Welsh, and that the public can receive services in their language of choice, remains one of the Authority’s main priorities.”

Dr Mandy James, TUC Cymru, said:

“Warm congratulations to Eryri National Park Authority, Unison Gwynedd Môn and Bangor University, and GMB for the commitment made today to TUC Cymru’s Growth Charter and its principles. It is extremely significant that this joint commitment to the Growth Charter is being declared from the summit of Yr Wyddfa as a symbolic act demonstrating strong support for the Welsh language in the National Park and the communities of Eryri.

Indeed, nearby Craig yr Undeb on the shores of Llyn Padarn – which was linked to the establishment of the Quarrymen’s Union during the Victorian era – also demonstrates that there is a long tradition here of protecting the interests of workers and Welsh-speaking communities in Eryri.

However, today’s commitment to the Growth Charter on Yr Wyddfa recognises the intention to work together to identify, organise and secure increasing opportunities for workers to use, learn and develop Welsh language skills in the workplace.

From the rock to the summit, therefore, it is declared that the Welsh language, and the growth of its use, is central to the workers, workplaces and communities of Eryri – both now and in the future.”

As part of the celebrations, a series of verses were composed for the event by Councillor and Authority Member, Cllr Elwyn Edwards:

Siartr Iaith y Parc

Ar lwyfan ein hunaniaeth – yn gyfan
Mae hen gof bodolaeth
Yr hil yn siartr helaeth
Yn rhoi i ni’r hyn a aeth.

Hon yw’n hiaith hir ei theithi – a’i henaint,
Iaith wen Mabinogi;
Mae hen waedd tu mewn iddi,
Hen lef yn ei chynnal hi

Ar erwau coeth Eryri, – ar wigoedd
Creigiau a choglwyni;
Ar neuaddau’r carneddi
Ceir perlau ei henwau hi.

Hon yw hanfod gwahanfur – ein huniad,
Y maen clo’n ein Rhagfur;
Ein hanes anghyfesur
A’r maen rhag bylchu o’r mur

I’w chynnal drwy’r ardaloedd – yn erwau
Eryri’r canrifoedd;
Rhown i hon y graen a oedd
Yn arhosol i’r oesoedd.

Anrhydedd i’w choleddu – yw’n y Parc,
Nodded parch y gweithlu;
Hon yw ein llais, rhown yn llu
I’w henaid rhag diflannu.

Yn ei hangen eleni – awn â gwefr
I gyd i’w pherchnogi;
Rhoddwn nodd i’w rhuddin hi,
Arwyddwn y Siartr iddi.

Elwyn Edwards

This commitment builds on the work already taking place across the Authority to promote the Welsh language among staff, members and visitors. By implementing the principles of the Twf Charter, the Authority will continue to develop a workplace culture that supports the natural use of Welsh and ensures that the language remains a living part of the future of Eryri and its communities.

Notes to editors:

For more information visit the TUC Cymru website.

For press enquiries contact Ioan Gwilym, Head of Communications at Eryri National Park Authority, on 07900267506 or ioan.gwilym@eryri.llyw.cymru