Glancing back whilst moving forward – Celebrating the Welsh language in Denbighshire
During Trustees’ Week 2020 (2 – 6 November), Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych is taking the opportunity as staff and trustees to celebrate the fact that they have been awarded the Trusted Charity Mark.
It is a nationally recognised mark which shows that Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych is a quality and trustworthy organisation. The mark was awarded following an external assessment and the recognition confirms that all critical areas of the organisation which includes the effective management and governance of the charity, have met the standard.
“We are very proud of the success,” said Ruth Williams, chief officer of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych. “Preparing to achieve this trusted quality mark was not easy. We carried out some self-assessment work and then evidence gathering for the external assessor, so it is a credit to the whole team that we have received the recognition.”
The work, this year, has followed a very different path for the team this year with the COVID19 restrictions having a major impact on the organisation’s work programme.
From the end of March it was necessary to adapt quickly and amend the programme to promote the use of Welsh and raise awareness of the benefits of bilingualism through focussing on digital means.
A very successful Annual General Meeting was held mid-October looking back and celebrating Menter Iaith’s work during 2019 – 2020. That was done, for the first time, as a virtual event.
Alice Jones, Chair of the Initiative, said: “It was great to be able to come together, albeit in a virtual setting, and oversee the work of the organisation during the past year. We were pleased to be able to celebrate achieving the trusted charity mark and thank the staff for their work. Quite often, people forget that there is only a small team of staff who manage to achieve a lot of work in a year! The staff reach out to our communities and support a range of user groups,and they must be commended for adapting so readily to the changing circumstances when the outbreak began.”
Alice Jones, Chair of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych
“There are 10 directors on the management committee and our role is to offer guidance, encouragement and support to the officers. It brings us a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction, and we are always looking for individuals with a passion for the Welsh language to join the committee.
Menter Iaith is looking for enthusiastic individuals who have experience, skills and expertise of the youth sector and Learning Welsh for adults sector. Being part of the directors’ team means contributing voluntarily and constructively to promoting the Welsh language within the county.”
If you would like to hear more about the work of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, would like to support the charity or would like to join the steering committee, please contact Ruth Williams ruth@misirddinbych.cymru or call 01745 812822.