Website content guidelines

Write in plain English at all times, across the whole website. Writing in plain English helps us develop simple, clear, specific and informative content. 

Plain English tips

To write in simple, plain English:

• use short sentences (keep your average sentence to 15 to 20 words)
• write in the active voice
• swap difficult words for easier words
• use verbs when you're asking someone to do something
• do not use jargon
• use words our website users would use and imagine you're talking to them

How to talk about the user

Refer to the user in the second person as much as possible. This means using 'you' rather than 'resident' or 'service user'. 

How to talk about ourselves as an organisation

Use 'we' and 'us' as much as possible, unless this makes it unclear which organisation we're talking about.