Global Learning for Operational Leaders
Classroom
14 sessions
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Online / Live
14 sessions
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Introduction
Course overview
Citizens should be able to understand government letters, forms, websites and policies the first time they read them. Plain language improves compliance, reduces calls and complaints and builds trust.
This Aractech course covers plain language principles, knowing the audience, structure, sentence and word choice, writing letters, forms, web content and policies, accessibility, testing with users and plain language programmes. Participants rewrite government documents.
What you will achieve
Learning objectives
- Apply plain language principles
- Write for citizens' needs
- Structure documents for clarity
- Use clear words and sentences
- Rewrite letters, forms and web content
- Test documents with users
Who should attend
Target audience
- Government officials
- Policy writers
- Communication staff
- Customer service staff in public bodies
- Legal and regulatory writers
- Municipal employees
Methodology
Learning approach
- Writing workshops
- Document rewrites
- User testing exercises
- Feedback
- Templates
Complete course outline
Five focused days of learning and application
The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.
Day 1
Plain Language
- Why plain language
- Principles
- Legal considerations
- Coffee break
- Legal considerations (continued)
- Examples
- Exercise: Document assessment
Day 2
Audience and Structure
- Citizen needs
- Structure
- Headings
- Coffee break
- Headings (continued)
- Lists
- Workshop: Restructuring
Day 3
Words and Sentences
- Everyday words
- Short sentences
- Active voice
- Coffee break
- Active voice (continued)
- Jargon
- Exercise: Sentence rewrites
Day 4
Documents
- Letters
- Forms
- Web content
- Coffee break
- Web content (continued)
- Policies
- Lab: Rewriting a letter
Day 5
Testing and Programmes
- Accessibility
- User testing
- Measuring impact
- Coffee break
- Measuring impact (continued)
- Programmes
- Capstone: Plain language rewrite
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does Plain Language Writing for Government (CWS-021) cover?
This course covers Communication and Writing Skills through a structured five-day outline focused on practical application, discussion, and implementation planning.
When is the next available session?
The next scheduled session starts on 16 - 20 November 2026. See the course schedules section for the available dates and delivery formats.
Who should attend this course?
Government officials, Policy writers, Communication staff
Is bilingual course delivery available?
Yes. All course materials and presentations are provided in English, while bilingual explanation and discussion support may be available depending on the selected location and trainer availability. For example, when attending a course in Istanbul, you may request a Turkish-speaking trainer to explain the English course content in Turkish. Arabic explanation support may also be requested at this location. Other languages are available in selected cities. You can choose your preferred language support as an optional preference during registration.
How can I register for a session?
Use any Register button next to the available course dates to open the participant registration page and submit your booking request for the selected session.
Is this course available online as well as classroom-based?
Check the course schedules section for currently published classroom and Online / Live sessions.
Where are classroom sessions delivered?
Current classroom venues include Amsterdam, London, Barcelona, Munich, Rome, Geneva.
How long is the training programme?
The programme runs for five days from 09:00 to 14:00, which gives 25 contact hours, including a daily 30-minute break (22.5 hours of instruction).
Quick request
Send quick request
Send a fast enquiry about this course and the academy team will get back to you.
Get a quotation
Request a formal quotation
Choose an available date and venue, add your participants, and we will email a formal quotation for Plain Language Writing for Government to your business address.