Plain English Campaign

Fighting for crystal-clear communication since 1979

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Welcome to Plain English Campaign

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Since 1979, we have been campaigning against gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information. 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. Welcome

The campaign officially began after founder Chrissie Maher OBE publicly shredded hundreds of official documents in Parliament Square, London. Entirely independent, the campaign funds itself through its commercial services, which include editing and training. We have worked with thousands of organisations ranging from UK Government departments to World Bowls, helping them make sure their public information is as clear as possible.

We have over 12,000 members in 80 countries and our Crystal Mark is now firmly established as a guarantee that a document is written in plain English. It appears on more than 18,300 documents.

Last Updated on Sunday, 18 October 2009 15:52
 

plain English npower bill

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Which power brings crystal-clear bills?

Plain English Campaign and Which?, the consumer group, are celebrating a breakthrough in energy billing.  The first plain English npower bill has received the campaign's Crystal Mark for clarity.

Chrissie Maher OBE, founder of Plain English Campaign, says, "This positive action from one of the big six marks a silver lining for the public who have been left in the dark for too long with confusing bills.  It's bound to save time and money for everyone.  I know it would help in my choice of energy provider, if I can understand what I'm paying each quarter."

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 13:02 Read more...
 

Ambient sausage rolls

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Musical sausage rolls liven up a plain lunch box

Bemused members of the public have been asking us for a plain English translation for the ‘ambient sausage rolls’  sold by The Co-operative supermarket.

Chrissie Maher, OBE and founder of Plain English Campaign said, ‘These sausage rolls have escaped from the technical production lines of the food industry to bring confusion and ruin the ‘ambience’ of our lunch breaks.’

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 13:12 Read more...
 

Chilcott and UN1441

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UN 1441 was not crystal-clear, but it should have been

Plain English Campaign was shocked to hear the frequent mention of the words ‘lack of clarity’, ‘unclear’ and ‘ambiguity’ during the Iraq war hearing. The investigatory panel and Lord Goldsmith were referring to the wording in documents, central to decisions for participation in the Iraq war.

The lack of clarity in the documents was not helped by the use of jargon like ‘automaticity’ and inappropriate use of legal terms like ‘material breach’. According to Lord Goldsmith, the ambiguous interpretations from translating the French words ‘se prononcer’, to either ‘consider’ or ‘decide’, had a major bearing on the need for a second resolution.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 February 2010 14:45 Read more...
 

Maddening instruction manuals

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Great guide or maddening manual?

Did you get a lovely new electronic gadget this Christmas? Have you bought one in the January sales?

Was the manual a masterpiece of instruction or did you give up the will to live on the second page?

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 February 2010 14:40 Read more...
 
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