Writing information that is clear and easy to understand

When you have worked on a communication for a long time, it is easy to miss simple mistakes. Check:

• Spelling and punctuation (use spelling and grammar functions)
• Information is included about how to find out more
• Information is included about what to do next
• There is an issue date on the document

Always ask someone not familiar with the subject to read through your work before you publish/distribute. Ask them:

• Was there anything they didn't understand?
• Is the purpose of the communication clear?

Before you publish/distribute do some final checks that your communication is accessible.

• Use a readability checker to get an independent view of how clear your words are
• Use MS Word to get accessibility warnings - go to the Review tab and then click on Check Accessibility 
• Check your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro
• If you work for Norfolk County Council you should refer to our guide on how to create accessible web content.
• If you work elsewhere check your organisation's accessibility standards