How you can meet the Plain Language Act
Use the ideas below to take your next steps to meet the Act — whether you’re a plain language officer, a chief executive, a manager, or someone who uses words every day at work.
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Audit your writing quality
Each year, your agency must report to the Public Service Commissioner on how you’re complying with the Act.
Don’t know where to start? We can assess a range of writing from across your organisation against plain language principles.
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Train your people to write in plain language
Learn all the plain language techniques you need to comply with the Act.
Business Writing EssentialsCommission plain language training that’s 100 percent focused on your people and the intent of the Act.
Bespoke solutions for your teamGet bite-sized plain language learning that fits around your core work.
Write OnlineBoost your confidence and skill with one-to-one guidance.
Coaching -
Create shining examples
Under the Act, a ‘relevant document’ means anything in English (online or in print) that’s meant for the public and either:
- gives information about your services or how to access them
- tells people how to provide the information you need from them
- explains how to comply with your requirements
- tells people about requirements you have that may affect them
- educates the public.
Not sure your people can do it all? Our consultants would love to help.
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Get your people on board
Changing how people write is about more than the words they use. First, they need to understand why. If you’re responsible for helping others write plainly, you may need to start a culture change.
Culture changeA book to inspire you
Rewrite is full of ideas and case studies to set you on the right track.
Rewrite: How to overcome daily sabotage of your brand and profitA model to guide you
Our Rewrite for Change™ model can help you transform your writing culture.
Model by Lynda Harris, 2015. All rights reserved.
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Become a brilliant plain language officer
If you’re a plain language officer, you’ll need to:
- make sure staff know what the Act requires
- deal with feedback about how your agency matches up to requirements
- ensure your agency complies with the Act.
That’s no small task. You’ll need plenty of support, guidance, and advice. We can help you make a solid plan.
Start with a clear role description
Make sure your role description sets out what you’ll do yourself, what you’ll delegate to others, and how you’ll know if you’re succeeding.
Understand the true scope of your role before you launch in. Make sure it’s manageable — especially if being a plain language officer is just one part of your role.
Add some ‘champions’
Plain language champions are staff members who get extra training to help workmates write in plain language. They don’t edit work. Instead they advise and inspire. They’ll take some of your load and help make plain language a reality.
Natural champions are easy to identify. They know why plain language is important and always do their best to write clearly. They’re already excited about the Act!
Attend specialised training for plain language officers and their helpers
Book on our Plain Language Action Plan designed specially for plain language officers. This 4-session online workshop will give you all the tools you need to be an effective plain language officer. You’ll even come away with an action plan for your organisation’s plain language project.
Find out more about the Plain Language Action Plan
Join the Plain Language Officer Network
We’re hosting some online events so that plain language officers can meet and share ideas.
