Language and Communication Strategy
All Wales Interpretation and Translation Service (WITS)
This project represents a joint venture between Gwent Police Force and Cardiff Council. The aim of the project is to develop a service which will be available to all public bodies in Wales who have need of interpretation and translation services. The project will develop a register of qualified and trained interpreters and link requests from all sectors of public service with the appropriate person. In addition the project will develop links with bodies providing training and registration so that new language and communication skills can be developed to increase the supply available to public bodies.
The first phase of the project was submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government for consideration for funding under the Making the Connections fund in summer 2007. WAG granted up to £63,000 towards the project costs, the balance being met by the Gwent Police and Cardiff Council's own funds.
The project started its data gathering phase in late spring 2008 and completed Phase 1 ahead of schedule in early 2009. The result was a recommendation to WAG that there was a viable business case to support the development of the service based on service needs across the whole of Wales. A proposal for further support and funding was submitted to WAG in late Spring 09. An outcome of the approach is at the time of writing still awaited.