Update on new content standards

International standard for plain language

A couple of months ago I reported on the development of a new plain language standard. A final draft should be ready by mid-2021. It will then go to a vote of ISO member countries for approval.

Style Manual

September 2020 saw the release of the long-awaited Style Manual. In a digital format with a focus on digital content, this new guidance replaces the Australian Government's Content Guide. A second version with updates on accessibility is due in mid-December.

Our training helps you meet these standards

Our web writing course will help you to meet the new plain language standard. It covers:

• identifying your audience and purpose
• making content findable
• structuring and designing content, with a focus on screen-based reading
• writing in a readable style.

And right now we're updating the course to be consistent with new recommendations from the Style Manual.

We'll publish dates for training in 2021 soon.