Professional training in London and 13 international cities info@llmi.uk +443300011190
Enquire

Professional training course · CWS-021

Plain Language Writing for Government

Citizens should be able to understand government letters, forms, websites and policies the first time they read them. Plain language improves compliance, reduces calls…

  • 5 daysClassroom or online
  • 14Upcoming dates
  • 6Cities
  • £2,750Fees from
View dates & register Get quotation Download PDF
Plain Language Writing for Government
Next classroom session Amsterdam 16 - 20 Nov 2026 · £4,250 Next in London London 7 - 11 Dec 2026 · £2,750

Course overview

Why Attend

Citizens should be able to understand government letters, forms, websites and policies the first time they read them. Plain language improves compliance, reduces calls and complaints and builds trust.

This LLMI course covers plain language principles, knowing the audience, structure, sentence and word choice, writing letters, forms, web content and policies, accessibility, testing with users and plain language programmes. Participants rewrite government documents.

Course Objectives

Apply plain language principles

Write for citizens' needs

Structure documents for clarity

Use clear words and sentences

Rewrite letters, forms and web content

Test documents with users

Target Audience

Government officials

Policy writers

Communication staff

Customer service staff in public bodies

Legal and regulatory writers

Municipal employees

Course Methodology

Writing workshops

Document rewrites

User testing exercises

Feedback

Templates

Course outline

  1. 1Day 1: Plain Language
    • Why plain language
    • Principles
    • Legal considerations
    • Examples
    • Exercise: Document assessment
  2. 2Day 2: Audience and Structure
    • Citizen needs
    • Structure
    • Headings
    • Lists
    • Workshop: Restructuring
  3. 3Day 3: Words and Sentences
    • Everyday words
    • Short sentences
    • Active voice
    • Jargon
    • Exercise: Sentence rewrites
  4. 4Day 4: Documents
    • Letters
    • Forms
    • Web content
    • Policies
    • Lab: Rewriting a letter
  5. 5Day 5: Testing and Programmes
    • Accessibility
    • User testing
    • Measuring impact
    • Programmes
    • Capstone: Plain language rewrite

Schedule

Dates and fees

14 upcoming dates in 6 cities. Fees are per delegate; bring colleagues and every seat is discounted. Every date can also be joined live online for £1,280.

All dates as PDF
November 2026
16NOV 16 - 20 Nov 2026Mon to Fri · 5 daysNext session
Netherlands flag AmsterdamNetherlands · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
December 2026
7DEC 7 - 11 Dec 2026Mon to Fri · 5 daysOur home city
United Kingdom flag LondonUnited Kingdom · Classroom
£2,750per delegate2+ people: £2,200 each
Register
January 2027
11JAN 11 - 15 Jan 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Spain flag BarcelonaSpain · Classroom
£3,850per delegate2+ people: £3,080 each
Register
February 2027
8FEB 8 - 12 Feb 2027Mon to Fri · 5 daysOur home city
United Kingdom flag LondonUnited Kingdom · Classroom
£2,750per delegate2+ people: £2,200 each
Register
March 2027
8MAR 8 - 12 Mar 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Germany flag MunichGermany · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
April 2027
12APR 12 - 16 Apr 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Italy flag RomeItaly · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
May 2027
10MAY 10 - 14 May 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Germany flag MunichGermany · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
June 2027
14JUN 14 - 18 Jun 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Netherlands flag AmsterdamNetherlands · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
July 2027
12JUL 12 - 16 Jul 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Switzerland flag GenevaSwitzerland · Classroom
£5,250per delegate2+ people: £4,200 each
Register
August 2027
9AUG 9 - 13 Aug 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Spain flag BarcelonaSpain · Classroom
£3,850per delegate2+ people: £3,080 each
Register
September 2027
13SEP 13 - 17 Sep 2027Mon to Fri · 5 daysOur home city
United Kingdom flag LondonUnited Kingdom · Classroom
£2,750per delegate2+ people: £2,200 each
Register
October 2027
11OCT 11 - 15 Oct 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Germany flag MunichGermany · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
November 2027
8NOV 8 - 12 Nov 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Italy flag RomeItaly · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register
December 2027
13DEC 13 - 17 Dec 2027Mon to Fri · 5 days
Germany flag MunichGermany · Classroom
£4,250per delegate2+ people: £3,400 each
Register

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Plain Language Writing for Government course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Plain Language Writing for Government course?

The next public date is 16 - 20 Nov 2026 in Amsterdam. There are 14 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in Amsterdam, London, Barcelona, Munich, Rome, Geneva.

Can I take Plain Language Writing for Government online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,750 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Related

More Communication and Writing Skills courses

View all

Training a team?

Any course in our catalogue can be delivered privately for your organisation, at your offices or in one of our cities, with content shaped around your goals.

Plan in-house training Speak to an advisor