Public Servant Lifestyle

Norfolk Constabulary?s force website has become the first police site in the country to net a special accolade in recognition of its crystal clear, 'gobbledygook' free language.

The Plain English Campaign has granted the Norfolk Force permission to use its coveted ?Internet Crystal Mark? following a rigorous test of the website including checks of content, language, navigation and design.

The Internet Crystal Mark logo, which the Force can now display on the homepage of its website, recognises that an organisation is committed to plain English and is willing to do everything practical to make its site crystal clear to the public. The logo ? like the equivalent one for printed materials - is regarded as an internationally recognised symbol of clarity.

Maria Timmins, Web writer and Editor for Norfolk Police, said: ?We are delighted to be the first Force in the country to have achieved the Internet Crystal Mark. We are pleased to be able to display the logo but do not take it for granted. Norfolk Constabulary will continue to develop its website to do everything practical to ensure the information contained on it is crystal clear.?

Based in Derbyshire, the Plain English Campaign is an independent pressure group with more than 7,000 supporters in 80 countries. The Campaign defines ?plain English? as something the intended audience can read, understand and act upon the first time they see it. The Campaign takes into account design and layout as well as language before awarding the Crystal Mark ? which is currently held by many major institutions and organisations.

More information available in Incentives & Rewards