Plain English campaign

We have helped many government departments and other official organisations with their documents, reports and publications. We believe that everyone should have access to clear and concise information. One step in the right direction is to use plain English.

Plain English is a style of presenting information that helps someone understand it the first time they read or hear it. It’s about putting yourself in your reader’s or listener’s shoes to identify what information they need to know, how best to present that information and how to rephrase any specialised terms in plain language. Equally, when requesting information, using plain English means asking precise questions in everyday language and in a logical order that avoids repetition.

NALA runs a series of themed campaigns aimed at different sectors to persuade organisations to be fully accessible to people with literacy difficulties and highlight the benefits of using plain English.

Plain English in the public sector
NALA recommends that all public sector bodies, including the Government, devise and implement policies to incorporate the use of plain English into their communications as standard practice. Plain English can help the public sector become more efficient because clearer information is more likely to save time, money and possible frustration that might otherwise be involved in making repeated requests for information, clarifying misunderstandings or contesting legal agreements that may be misinterpreted.

Plain English and the financial sector
Financial jargon such as APR, equity and compound interest are difficult to understand at the best of times. Indeed, research shows that many people have difficulties understanding common financial terms, adding up a bill or understanding a pay slip. The NALA/ EBS Financial Literacy programme has been highly influential in tackling barriers to financial literacy and in addressing the issue of access to financial services for those with literacy difficulties.

Plain English and the health sector
Many people who deal effectively with other aspects of their lives find health information difficult to obtain, understand, or use. Patients are often faced with complex information and treatment decisions. NALA seeks to make the Irish health service 'literacy-friendly' where both the skills of individuals and the literacy demands of the health service are analysed. It wants to see a health service where literacy is not a barrier.