Judge: Best Plain Language Document — Public Sector

Content and Communications Specialist, Tonkin + Taylor, Taranaki, New Zealand

Suraya began her writing and editing career in 2000 after attending a plain language workshop while working for Department of Corrections. Colleagues — especially judges — appreciated the difference her writing made in communicating complex messages clearly while building better relationships. Soon, people from across the organisation were asking for her help writing letters, documents, and web content.

Suraya has worked in the public and private sectors in the UK and New Zealand. With leading UK disability charity Scope, she developed expertise in web content accessibility. At Saatchi-owned agency MSL Group, she quality-assured a team of industry-leading copywriters. Now in content and communication with engineering and environmental consultancy Tonkin + Taylor, she enjoys the opportunity to make a difference to communities and the environment.

Although I’ve been doing it for 25 years, I’m still astonished by how much plain language helps organisations reach their goals, but especially how it strengthens relationships with customers and stakeholders. Learning to write clearly, equal-to-equal, is genuinely world-changing.

Meet the judges for the Plain Language Awards

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