Are you ready for the Plain Language Act 2022?
Do you work in government? Get set to write in plain language.
Use the ideas below to take your next steps, whether you’re a plain language officer, a chief executive, a manager, or someone who uses words every day at work.
Lessons from Norway
Torunn Reksten of the Language Council of Norway shares her insights about Norway’s government-led plain language campaign, and how it’s transformed their public sector for the better.
Options for plain language training
Interested in training to be an effective plain language officer?
Find out more about the Plain Language Action Plan
Interested in training for your team?
Find out more about Business Writing Essentials
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Find out what the Act means for you
Read the Act
The Act sets out what plain language is, what documents must use it, what plain language officers do, and what the reporting requirements are.
Read the Plain Language Act 2022 on the NZ Legislation websiteKnow the guidance
The Public Service Commission sets out five steps you need to take to comply with the Act.
Read guidance for agencies from the Public Service Commission -
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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Learn how 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 -
Transform your relevant documents
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.
Writing and editing services -
Know how to change hearts and minds
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.
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Get the right resources
Help everyone recognise what ‘plain’ looks like with great resources.
Choose a standard to aim for
Assessing writing is much easier when you have a clear standard to meet. You could use our free standard — or adapt it to your needs.
The Write Plain Language StandardKnow how to reach the standard
Writing guidelines explain exactly how to meet each element of your plain language standard. Not sure where to start? We can help with that.
Showcase great examples
What’s ‘plain’ for your topic area? Which words are jargon you should ditch? Which are precise technical terms you should keep?
Create some ‘before’ and ‘after’ examples to show everyone what’s possible. Make them visible — they’re powerful.
Gather some fun stuff
Keep plain language top of mind with inviting snippets.
- Run quizzes or competitions, with prizes — chocolate fish, anyone?
- Write a regular newsletter to highlight great writing and share tips.
- Share blog posts that demystify the writing process.
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Talk to us for inspiration
We’ll help you work out how to meet the Plain Language Act 2022. We’ve worked with organisations large and small over more than 30 years, and have the resources and experience you need.
