Plain English Diploma
We offer several plain-English courses that give people an excellent grounding in plain-English principles and techniques. We have developed our 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.
How will it help my organisation?
By using plain English you will save your organisation time and money. You will be more efficient when you write. Also, your customers will understand what you are trying to tell them first time, so staff will not spend endless hours sorting out misunderstandings or dealing with questions that should have been answered in communications they have received. And 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 learnt to your colleagues. And it's an extra qualification to add to your CV.
How does the diploma course work?
The course is delivered online by Zoom or Teams. It runs over 12 months, as follows.
Week 1
Our trainer delivers a two-day online workshop by Zoom or Teams. Individual and group exercises cover plain-English principles and techniques. The main topics from our Plain English and Grammarcheck courses will be covered during this workshop.
Weeks 2 to 26
You work on five written assignments. We give you feedback on each one before you start the next. From week 17 you will also be working on a presentation that demonstrates the benefits of using Plain English in your organisation.
Week 27
You will deliver your presentation during the second online workshop. The trainer and members of your group will give you feedback. You will then have one month to put finishing touches to a written copy of the presentation to send to the trainer.
Weeks 28 to 52
You will work on a 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 course costs £3,900 + 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.
For more information, or to book a place on the course, email us at info@plainenglish.co.uk.