This is our seal of approval for communications where the Crystal Mark process is not practical. These include constantly-changing documents such as magazines, newsletters or long instruction manuals.

When we assess these materials, we carry out checks which are similar to those we do with the Crystal Mark. We are looking for clear layout and design, and language appropriate for the intended audience. There is a charge of £200 + VAT for this assessment. There is then an annual charge for display of the logo, which depends upon the size of the publication.

With magazines we ask to see three issues before we can approve them, and we then see each issue as it is published. We discuss any problems with the editorial staff.

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Below are links to lists of organisations who have published Crystal Mark documents.

We have used the following symbols on the holder lists to show where an organisation has made a special achievement with the Crystal Mark.

	The organisation is a corporate member
	The organisation has at least 100 documents with the Crystal Mark.
	The organisation has at least 50 documents with the Crystal Mark.
	The organisation has at least 25 documents with the Crystal Mark.
	The organisation holds at least one Honesty Mark.

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Our Internet Crystal Mark logo is the ideal way to show that you are committed to plain English throughout your site. By joining the scheme, you will prove to the public that you are willing to do everything practical to make your site crystal clear.

Here is what the scheme offers you and your site visitors.

• We will examine the language, accessibility, navigation, design and layout of your site.
• You will be able to use our logo on your site, and you will be listed on Plain English Campaign's site, showing the world that you are committed to plain English.
• If you join the scheme, you will pay £1,500 + VAT for the first year and £750 + VAT for each year after that. There are reduced rates for medium sized and small websites - please contact us for further details.
• If you are one of our corporate members, we offer a special deal on the first (main) website that qualifies for the Internet Crystal Mark. We will waive the charge for the first year, and we will only charge you £350 + VAT for each year after that.

If you would like to join the scheme, please e-mail us at info@plainenglish.co.uk with the address of your site, and your contact details. There is a non-refundable fee of £200 + VAT for us assessing your site and providing a report.

You can also call Barry Soames on 01663 744409 if you have any questions.

We have Tips for clear websites, an Adobe Acrobat document (34KB) that may help if you are considering the Internet Crystal Mark.

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Every customer survey shows that one of the most important things to buyers is trust. Plain English can help give consumers an informed choice, but we need all the facts at our fingertips.

Our solution is the Honesty Mark. This is a free logo available to any document displaying a Crystal Mark, so long as the organisation is prepared to sign our declaration. This declaration guarantees that everything in the document is true and complete. In other words, what you see is what you get.

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For printed and online publications

Your book could carry the accreditation of a ‘Plain English Book Mark’. This accreditation tells the reader that the book’s clarity has been independently assessed by an expert.

The Book Mark is our seal of approval for publications that are not suitable for our Crystal Mark. These publications include non-fiction books, training manuals or published reference materials that are either printed or available online.

When we assess these materials, our editors carry out checks which are similar to those we do for the Crystal Mark. However, we don’t expect the copy to be written to Crystal Mark standard.

We are looking for clear layout and design, and language that is appropriate for the intended audience.

We will review the publication and discuss the assessment with you. We will also suggest changes you could make to qualify for the accreditation.

There is a charge for the assessment, review and accreditation. The charge will depend on the size of the publication. We can give you an accurate estimate if you can provide a final draft, but the full accreditation could be available from just £500 + VAT.

Final drafts or reprints which meet the assessment criteria can display the ‘Book Mark’ logo until any updates or changes are made. At this stage, you would need to make a new application.

What we assess

We look at:

• the text;
• the design and print quality; and
• the usefulness to the intended audience.

The text

For example, we look at the following.

• Sentence length
• Paragraph construction
• Grammar and punctuation
• Nominalisations and passive verbs
• The suitability of the text for the intended audience

The design

For example, we look at the following.

• Typesize and typeface
• Size of headings and subheadings – is there a clear hierarchy?
• Use of headings – do they run into each other across articles or pages?
• Use of white space
• Does the design make it easy to read?
• Overprinting
• Use of reversed-out text
• Pagination – does it make sense?
• Print quality

Usefulness

• What is the purpose of the book and does it achieve its aim?
• Is the tone appropriate for the readership?