Inverness-based Bòrd na Gàidhlig criticised for culture in Gaelic organisation
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The Inverness-based public body for promoting Gaelic in Scotland has been ordered to improve the way it works.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig (The Bòrd) was criticised in a report published today for a lack of openness, poor relationships and the general culture within the organisation, by Scotland's Auditor General.
The Bòrd is an executive non-departmental public body, or quango, based in the city. It employs 19 staff members.
Funding for the organisation comes in the form of a grant from the Scottish Government as well as money from various projects it undertakes, in 2018/19 it had a net expenditure of £5.3million.
It is the principal public body in Scotland responsible for promoting Gaelic development, such as Gaelic schools and road signs, and provides advice to Scottish ministers on Gaelic issues.
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."
Issues identified within the auditor's report were ineffective leadership, inadequate workforce planning, a lack of clarity over roles and responsibilities, poor relationships and organisational culture and a lack of transparency in decision-making.
Ms Gardner continued: "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."
Responding to the report, Mairi MacInnes, Bòrd na Gàidhlig's interim chairwoman, said: “Periods of change are difficult for any organisation, so Bòrd na Gàidhlig is not unique. This report has highlighted many of the challenges we have faced during the past three years, particularly in terms of the volume of work we have to deliver every day, our recruitment challenges and our limited resources.
“For the organisation to grow and accomplish the commitments in our Corporate Plan 2018-23, we must continue to review all of our work and make changes where necessary. We remain committed to completing our programme of change, to help Gaelic flourish in Scotland and for Gaelic communities to continue to grow and thrive.
“All those involved in Bòrd na Gàidhlig recognise the need for and are thoroughly committed to finding a way forward so the recommendations made in the report are implemented and we are happy to explain the organisation and our decisions to the Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee if required."
She continued: “We all want Bòrd na Gàidhlig to be a success story – taking on board this report’s findings will help us work towards that goal.”
