Plain English Campaign

These awards are for the clearest documents of the year (on any subject).

We do not allow entries for documents that our own staff have worked on. The closing date for entries for the 2010 awards is 30 September. We will contact the winners in November.

Below are the winners for 2009

Multiple Sclerosis Society for a booklet, 'Shrinking the Monster'

This booklet makes use of great design to catch the eye and illustrate the text. They make good use of white space, and use lists effectively to add to the readability. Personal references and active verbs keep the text lively and interesting, while short paragraphs and clear explanations add to the overall clarity.

Reclaim young people's manifestos

These leaflets, written by young people for young people, use short, snappy lists, clear design, active verbs and everyday language to highlight issues of importance to young people. By using words appropriate to the audience, they become an effective tool for passing on a very positive message.

Royal British Legion - for the fund-raising leaflet 'You can help pick up the pieces'

As well as using the main principles of plain English, the British Legion have used pictures effectively to emphasise the message. And, by adding people's perspectives, it makes the appeal more direct.

Liverpool Health Promotion Service - for a leaflet, 'The Menopause'

The judges picked this leaflet as it was a handy size and displayed key elements of plain English such as good use of lists, short sentences and attractive design.

Food Standards Agency - for a leaflet on listeria, 'If you're over 60...'

A winner for its simple language, lack of baffling terminology and attractive design. It uses personal pronouns such as 'we' and 'you' well, and employs the 'active' rather than 'passive' voice. The important message is aimed specifically at an older audience and doesn't patronise while still being clearly expressed.

Samaritans for a leaflet - for young people, 'Who are the Samaritans?'

Our panel decided that this leaflet was well laid out and used list structures to effectively break up the information. By using short sentences and plenty of space in the design, the Samaritans were able to convey their message effectively. Illustrations and subheadings are used well to also aid understanding.

World Cancer Research Fund - for a leaflet on breast cancer

World Cancer Research fund convey a very important message by using clear, crisp, well-sized typeface and a short line length. They combine these with good use of colours and active verbs on this double-sided A5 leaflet.

PharmacyHealthLink - for a leaflet, 'Healthy Planet, Healthy You'

PharmacyHealthLink came up with a clear, unfussy design and a handy size for their leaflet. It has clear subheadings, good use of lists, white space and a direct, personal writing style.

Liverpool Health Promotion Service - for a leaflet, 'The Menopause'

The judges picked this leaflet as it was a handy size and displayed key elements of plain English such as good use of lists, short sentences and attractive design.

Food Standards Agency - for a leaflet on listeria, 'If you're over 60...'

A winner for its simple language, lack of baffling terminology and attractive design. It uses personal pronouns such as 'we' and 'you' well, and employs the 'active' rather than 'passive' voice. The important message is aimed specifically at an older audience and doesn't patronise while still being clearly expressed.

Samaritans for a leaflet - for young people, 'Who are the Samaritans?'

Our panel decided that this leaflet was well laid out and used list structures to effectively break up the information. By using short sentences and plenty of space in the design, the Samaritans were able to convey their message effectively. Illustrations and subheadings are used well to also aid understanding.

World Cancer Research Fund - for a leaflet on breast cancer

World Cancer Research fund convey a very important message by using clear, crisp, well-sized typeface and a short line length. They combine these with good use of colours and active verbs on this double-sided A5 leaflet.

PharmacyHealthLink - for a leaflet, 'Healthy Planet, Healthy You'

PharmacyHealthLink came up with a clear, unfussy design and a handy size for their leaflet. It has clear subheadings, good use of lists, white space and a direct, personal writing style.