Plain language group
Why plain language?
If you write a leaflet, brochure, policy or document do people always understand what you have written?
We know that communication – about what we are doing and why – is a vital part of our role in the community.
We recognise that the public needs to know where taxes are being spent, how to take up the services available, how to be involved in making plans and, if necessary, how to complain.
The public can best understand all these things if communication is clear, to the point and free from jargon - just what plain language is for.
If you are trying to write in plain language, there is somewhere you can go for help – the Nottinghamshire Plain Language Group.
The Nottinghamshire Plain Language Group is a group of volunteers that read information to make sure that it can be easily understood.
The volunteer readers comment on information before it is published.
They will look at any information produced for the public – documents, leaflets, DVDs, websites – to check that it is written in plain, easily understood language.
Other useful sources of information
Plain English Campaign
A wide range of information and advice on writing plain language. Their website includes useful guides to improving your writing, a list of alternative words and information on specialised areas such as websites and design.
Improvement and Development Agency
Aimed at local government but of benefit to all. The Plain English section of their website has advice on how to write and edit both your own and colleagues writing. Another useful tool gives you the chance to test your own plain language skills.
web: www.idea.gov.uk
