Answering whether Welsh language duties can shape service delivery in primary care

Six duties were introduced in 2019 as mandatory requirements for the sector, focusing on aspects such as bilingual documentation, lanyards, and recording language preference. The work aimed to deepen understanding of how these duties, alongside the Active Offer, were being implemented in practice and experienced by stakeholders across primary care.

The study complemented earlier survey evidence, which provided high-level quantitative insights, with a series of in-depth qualitative interviews with practices and other key stakeholders. These interviews explored good practice, implementation challenges, training and support, and related issues. In total, 26 interviews were undertaken, alongside a structured review of existing policy and survey data.

The qualitative and quantitative evidence was synthesised into a report, which found low awareness and inconsistent implementation of the duties. The report set out recommendations to strengthen the delivery of primary care services through the medium of Welsh.