Significant improvements required at Bòrd na Gàidhlig

The public body for promoting Gaelic must address a range of concerns from a lack of openness to poor relationships and organisational culture.

A report today from the Auditor General highlights a wide range of issues raised by the external auditor over the last year. Issues identified included:

• ineffective leadership
• inadequate workforce planning
• a lack of clarity over roles and responsibilities
• poor relationships and organisational culture
• a lack of transparency in decision-making.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig is based in Inverness and employs around 19 staff. In 2018/19 it had a net expenditure of £5.3 million.

Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland, said:

"Gaelic is an important part of Scotland's culture.

"But all public bodies, irrespective of their size, must demonstrate clear and effective governance and make key decisions in an open and transparent way.

"The Bòrd's leadership team and board must deliver significant improvements

in the issues raised to establish the trust and confidence of staff and stakeholders, including the Parliament and the public."