What is ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language?
ISO 24495 –1:2023 Plain language: Part 1: Governing guidelines and principles, contains general guidelines for creating documents in printed or online format in the form of text. It is the first standard for plain language.
The guidelines intend to make information in text form more effective and accessible which improves written communication for everyone.
Documents which are intended for the public need to be understandable, usable, relevant and findable.
ISO 24495-1 has many applications including in language services, localisation, legal, healthcare, education, public sector and more.
At the time of writing (June 2024) there are additional standards for specific domains in DRAFT including:
- ISO/CD 24495-2. Plain language Part 2: Legal communication.
- ISO/WD 24495-3. Plain language — Part 3: Science writing.
The four principles of ISO 24495-1:2023
The four principles of ISO 24495-1:2023 are:
- Relevant – Readers can get the relevant information which they require.
- Findable – The information needed is easy for the reader to find.
- Understandable – The reader can easily understand the information which they find.
- Usable – The reader can use the information easily.
This includes reader’s objectives and creating a document with relevant content and structuring the document in a usable way, for example using subheadings to make the sections identifiable and therefore findable.
Using familiar words to the reader and clear, concise sentences also makes Information easier to understand.
Documents should be evaluated before publication and reviewed after publication to check for compliance.
How our ISO 24495-1 Consultants can Help
We are experts in international standards and help you implement processes and procedures that incorporate the guidelines of ISO 24495-1 to ensure that the documents your organisation produces follows the best practice.
We can provide ISO 24495-1 training for staff and internal audits of your processes and output against the standard.
