Judge: Best Plain Language Annual Report

Senior strategist in public sector communications, Wellington, New Zealand

Emily has a reputation for leading complex, high-risk messaging and advising senior leaders through change. Due to her expertise and critical thinking she’s trusted to provide clear communications that will protect reputation, build credibility, and strengthen engagement.

As a volunteer and Match Maker with one of our Bronze Sponsors, the Community Comms Collective, for over 10 years, Emily believes clear but engaging communication is vital. This is her first year as a judge, and as a third-generation public servant with 20 years working in government, she’s seen her fair share of annual reports.

In the late 1990s I started my career working in operational policy. Part of the role was writing Ministerials full of legislation to people with English as a second language. I needed to explain to them why they didn’t meet requirements for New Zealand Citizenship and what they needed to do. I now know that was probably some of the best training for plain English writing I could have done.

Emily believes that using plain language is about respecting your audience.

I think we all agree that we want people to easily engage with what we’re saying. In theory, it’s not complicated or difficult. Getting it right is.

Meet the judges for the Plain Language Awards

How the judging process works