NALA contributes to world's first universal design standard 'Swift 9'

We are delighted to announce that NALA’s Plain English Guidelines are now an integral part of The National Standards Authority of Ireland’s new document ‘SWIFT 9 Universal Design for Energy Suppliers'. This is the world's first universal design document for Energy Suppliers. By following NALA's guidelines in the document, energy suppliers will be writing and speaking with their customers using plain English. Energy Suppliers are already contacting NALA for plain English editing and training. They are particularly interested in getting our plain English Mark for their letters and customer charters as it shows that they are committed to clear, transparent communication with their customers.

Launching the SWIFT 9 document Minister for State Fergus O'Dowd, T.D. said, “SWIFT 9 is the first standard to be developed internationally that embraces good design, guidance and functionality by our energy suppliers, focusing on all end users, ensuring access to information and services. It recognises the customer’s right to be at the centre of services and in time the adoption of Universal Design will lead to a more inclusive and understanding Irish society. Energy suppliers such as Airtricity, Bord Gáis Energy, Electric Ireland, Energia and Flogas are at the forefront of customer service design and provide the foundations on which other customer focused businesses can build.”

The full press release from the SWIFT 9 launch can be found here on the NSAI website

NALA to run open plain English training courses

NALA will be running open plain English training courses over three dates in 2012. These courses are for people from different organisations or for individuals who wish to communicate more clearly. The course will use a mix of presentation, relevant examples, discussion and exercises to introduce participants to the most common barriers to clear information and the basic techniques of plain English. Two of the sessions will deal with clear writing for the web. It also introduces participants to the literacy issue in Ireland. Each course is limited to 16 people, so please book early to secure a place.

Why should I attend the course?
• It will help you get your message across to the one in four adults who have literacy and numeracy difficulties.
• It makes good business sense. Studies have shown that when you use plain English, your reader can better understand your information.
• You will be able to provide more efficient customer service. Clearer information is shown to improve performance, reduce mistakes and lead to fewer complaints and repeated questions.
• Plain Language legislation is being introduced around the world and will soon become standard practice in many institutions and organisations.

Locations and dates
Wednesday 18 April Dublin Plain English Writing for the Web
Wednesday 30 May Dublin Plain English Guidelines
Wednesday 17 October Cork Plain English Writing for the Web

Time 10.00am to 4.30pm

Cost €125 per person (€100 per person for community and voluntary organisations)
For a course outline and other information, please contact Claire O’Riordan at the National Adult Literacy Agency on (01) 412 7922 or at coriordan@nala.ie

Become a group member of NALA and receive a 5% discount on all Plain English Services!

By becoming a group member of NALA you will be contributing to our work to improve adult literacy and you will also benefit from a 5% discount on all Plain English editing and training services. This can lead to substantial savings depending on the size of your organisation and which services you avail of. You can view all the benefits and price structures for members here

NALA wins competitive funding bid for plain English training

Together with 11 partners in the community, voluntary and charitable sector, NALA has won a very competitive funding bid for The Wheel’s Training Links Grant Programme. This funding will be used to provide plain English training to members of the newly formed Plain English Network (PEN).

NALA hopes that this innovative training will enable up to 160 participants to communicate more clearly and effectively by partaking in training that they may not otherwise have been able to afford. The training will enable the participants to gain a greater awareness of literacy issues in Ireland and to recognise and respond effectively to these issues both within their own organisations and in the wider community. NALA would like to thank the members of PEN for their support and assistance with this project.