Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

Welsh language scheme / Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg

Cymraeg

GMC publishes revised Welsh Language Scheme

The GMC is committed to offering services to the public in Wales in the language of their choice, be that English or Welsh and has had a Welsh language scheme since June 2005.  The founding principle of the GMC's Welsh Language Scheme is that in conducting public business in Wales we treat the English and Welsh languages on the basis of equality.

The structure of the GMC and our Council has changed significantly since the introduction of the scheme back in 2005. As a result the GMC conducted a review of the scheme during 2009 to ensure that it was fit for purpose. The review considered all elements of the scheme and the views of GMC staff and external stakeholders were also sought. 

The scheme has been updated and changed to reflect the new governance structure of the organisation.  We have also produced an internal guidance document on the working of the scheme for GMC staff and Welsh language implications are now part of any equality impact assessment.

The revised scheme was approved by the Welsh Language Board in January 2010.

We seek to communicate with the public in Wales either in Welsh or bilingually particularly when:

  • Providing or delivering services, such as dealing with complaints about doctors or producing guidance that is useful or helpful for the public

  • Consulting with the public in Wales

  • Promoting the GMC’s profile at public events

  • Distributing GMC branded material used in Wales

  • Any complaint against a doctor from members of the public, doctors, public authorities, NHS organisations may be submitted in English or Welsh. 

Where complaints are of an extremely urgent and complex nature the GMC maintains the right to decide on the most expeditious means of handling such complaints, be that in Welsh or English, in order not to unduly prolong fair process for either the complainant or the doctor. 

Read the Welsh Language Scheme

Welsh Language Scheme – Welsh (127kb, pdf)

Welsh Language Scheme – English (125kb, pdf)

Further information

If you have any queries about the implementation of the GMC’s Welsh Language Scheme, please contact Rachel Podolak, Head of Welsh Affairs, on 02920 504060 or gmcwales@gmc-uk.org.