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Virtual Plain English Diploma Course

 

Plain English Diploma certificate

Since we began in 1979, we have been offering courses in plain English. These courses give people an excellent grounding in plain-English techniques. We have developed the diploma course to give people a higher level of expertise. If you are trying to persuade other people in your organisation to write clearly, it helps to have a qualification in plain English.

If you would like more information, please email terri.schabel@plainenglish.co.uk or call Terri on 01663 744409.


How will it help my organisation?

By using plain English you will save your organisation time and money. You will be more efficient and save time when you write. Also, your customers will understand what you are trying to tell them first time. So staff will not spend endless hours on the phone sorting out misunderstandings, or answering questions that should have been dealt with in letters. Your customers will think more highly of you. They will realise that you care about them and have their interests in mind.

 

How will it benefit me?

Having a diploma does not qualify you to run plain-English courses, but it does qualify you to pass on the techniques you have learned to your colleagues. It is an extra qualification to add to your CV.

 

How does the diploma course work?

The course runs over 12 months. It is made up of:

  • a two-day online workshop with our trainer;
  • five written assignments;
  • a presentation workshop (delivered online); and
  • a main assignment.

The timetable is as follows.

Week 1

You start with a two-day online workshop which will be delivered by Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Individual and group exercises cover plain-English techniques. The main topics from our Grammarcheck and Plain English courses will be covered during this workshop.

Weeks 2 to 26

You work on five assignments. We mark them and give you feedback. From week 17 you will also be working on a presentation. Your presentation should explain the benefits of using Plain English in your organisation.

Week 27

During a second online workshop you will deliver your presentation. The trainer and members of your group will give you feedback. You will then have one month to put finishing touches to a written presentation to be sent to the trainer.

Weeks 28 to 52

For the rest of the course you will work on your main assignment. This must have a plain-English theme and be of use to your organisation.

For example, the main assignment could be:

  • writing or designing a set of standard letters;
  • designing or revising a set of forms;
  • writing a policy document;
  • writing a set of regulations; or
  • writing an annual report.

How much does it cost?

The cost is £3900 + VAT for each place. This includes the cost of course materials that we will send to you before the first workshop. There is a £500 discount if your organisation is a corporate member of Plain English Campaign.

 

 

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