our work
The International Plain Language Federation brings together plain language organisations and individuals. We promote the public benefits of plain language and improve professional practice.
about us
The International Plain Language Federation was established in 2007 as a joint project of three organizations – the Center for Plain Language, Clarity and the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN). We work together to advance plain language as a profession.
We are managed by a board made up of representatives of these three organisations.
Our Agenda
Our current priorities
International standard
Developing an international standard for plain language.
Training and certification
Exploring options for training and certifying plain language practitioners.
developing an international standard
Overview
One of our main activities right now is helping our 3 member organizations ― Clarity, PLAIN, and the Center ― to work with the International Standards’ Organization (ISO) to develop a multi-language standard for plain language.
We initiated ISO’s project to develop the plain language standard, see the June 2019 update below.
How you can be involved
Read here about how you can be involved
Updates
Sept 2020 – Where we’re at, next steps, and the back story
Oct 2019 – ISO votes “Yes” to develop a plain language standard
June 2019 – One giant step towards a plain language standard
2018 – Special issue of The Clarity Journal, dedicated to the standards project, see The Clarity Journal, 79, 2018
2010 – Special issue of The Clarity Journal containing an Options Paper setting out the International Plain Language Federation’s plans, including to try to develop an international plain language standard.
Standards working group
| Christopher Balmford Australia Bede Sunter Karen Schriver Rosa Margarita Galán Vélez Gael Spivak | Anne-Marie Hasselrot Sweden Joanna Richardson Lynda Harris Sissel C. Motzfeldt Milva Finnegan | Annetta Cheek United States Joh Kirby Miguel Martinho Susan Kleimann Nicole Fernbach |