PLAIN launches international public sector survey

PLAIN, in partnership with Claro, is launching the Plain International Survey. This international survey will assess how governments implement plain language and how citizens view their success.

Our partner for the project, Claro, is the pioneer organization for plain language in Portugal. By combining our efforts, the survey will become a major resource for plain language professionals and advocates around the world.

The survey results will also be published on a dedicated website and in detailed annual reports that will be made available without cost to PLAIN members. The survey will help our members to make the case for plain language in their own work. Almost nothing helps to persuade organizations of the value of plain language as much as case studies from around the world!

Three surveys in one

The country-by-country survey includes three questionnaires, each focusing on a different perspective:

  1. Central Government establishes which countries have laws requiring plain language and what initiatives are supporting them;
  2. Agency explores the effectiveness of public agencies in plain language goals and initiatives; and,
  3. Public Perception assesses the public’s views of government communication and how much they value plain language.

December 16
Please give us your feedback by December 16!

In recent months, we’ve been developing the surveys for a pilot survey in four countries. We’re now asking PLAIN members to test the questionnaires and give us your feedback before the survey goes live in January 2017. Both PLAIN and Clarity members may participate in the pilot survey.

You can send us your feedback via email or using the text box at the end of each questionnaire:
Central government
Agencies
Public’s perception

Four-country pilot in early 2017

the pilot countries
From January to March 2017 we will run a pilot program in Chile, New Zealand, Portugal, and the United States. We’ll present the results at the next PLAIN conference in September in Graz, Austria.

The survey project is also part of PLAIN’s push to promote plain language in a wider range of countries and languages around the world. After evaluating the pilot, PLAIN will look to roll out the survey to other countries and languages in 2018 and 2019.

If you’d like to be your country’s liaison or could help us translate the survey into your language, please get in touch.