The Department for Education (DfE) has developed a plain language standard for its digital, data and technology (DDaT) services.
It said the move is aimed at ensuring that users can find the information they need, understand what they find and act on what they understand.
The standard incorporates the DfE’s ways of working and best practice for user centred design in government. The department said it should not create any more work for content designers or anyone working on content.
It involves categories for user centred design and accessibility, intended to reduce any barriers for people with lower level literacy, have difficulties understanding content or whose first language is not English.
Easier to understand
“The use of plain language ensures fair access to information,” it says. “It makes content easier to understand for everyone.
“It can also help to reduce the users’ need for additional support, which can save the user time and the department money.”
There is also an explanation of the standard’s purpose and guidance on how to meet it.
It has been developed through workshops with content designers in DfE and the GOV.UK team in the Government Digital Service, using the International Organisation for Standardisation’s plain language standard as a starting point.
