Earn the checkmark for plain language
Prove your commitment to clear communication. We review content for plain language according to principles aligned with ISO 24495. If your document passes our checks, you'll be able to display the Narratology checkmark.
Who benefits from plain language
Our checkmark is designed for organisations in sectors where clear communication impacts customer experience and regulatory compliance.
Financial services
Banks, insurers, investment firms and mortgage providers use our checkmark as part of Consumer Duty evidence and to build trust with customers.
Legal and compliance
Law firms, corporate legal departments and compliance teams use our checkmark to show their documents meet accessibility standards while maintaining legal precision.
Government and public sector
Central and local government, NHS trusts, and public bodies use our checkmark to fulfil accessibility obligations and improve citizen engagement.
Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers use our checkmark to ensure patients can understand critical health information.
What are the review criteria?
A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information (ISO 24495).
Our reviews look at relevance, findability, clarity and usability.
Three kinds of evaluation
Our review process includes all three types of evaluation recognised by plain-language experts:
Automated tests
We make our audits efficient by using our proprietary plain-language screening tool.
Heuristic analysis
Our experts analyse issues that automated tools cannot measure, such as your use of images or video, and whether your tone is appropriate.
Proof of user testing
We evaluate whether your research shows that the content can be used to meet reader needs. You provide the evidence; we assess its quality and relevance.
How to get your content checked for plain language
We use a two-stage process that combines automated assessment with expert human review. Both must pass to earn the checkmark.
Stage 1: Automated screening
All seven automated criteria must achieve a pass grade (score of 6.5 or higher):
- Vocabulary complexity
- Sentence structure
- Document architecture
- Visual design
- Cognitive load
- Structural clarity
- Language efficiency
Stage 2: Expert human review
Our plain language experts assess user testing and those elements that automation cannot measure:
- Relevance to reader needs
- Appropriate tone of voice
- Cultural appropriateness
- Contextual clarity
- Overall comprehension
Plain language check process
If your content passes, you'll go from submission to checkmark in one week.
Submit document
We accept Word, PDF and HTML formats.
Automated screening
Within 24 hours, receive detailed scores across all seven criteria.
Review and revision
If needed, revise based on feedback. Reassessment is included.
Expert review
Our experts conduct thorough human review (two to three working days).
Checkmark granted
Receive your mark as a logo file with the licence and guidelines.
Pricing
Our pricing includes standard reviews and an annual licence for the checkmark. The cost varies from £500 for simpler content such as a web page or letter, to £5,000 for longer content such as a legal agreement.
If you choose to use our consultants for making the changes to your documents or for research, then there is a separate consultancy charge.
How plain language checks can help
In August 2025, ISO published Part 2 of its plain language standard, focused on legal communication. This milestone reflects growing international recognition that clear communication benefits everyone.
Benefits for individuals
The ability to understand legal and financial information helps protect fundamental rights: the ability to earn a living, obtain housing, make sound decisions, and pursue legal rights.
Benefits for organisations
Good communication reduces costs, increases efficiency, improves compliance, and reduces litigation. It also makes digitalization and translation easier.
Checkmark credibility
Our checkmark gives you a credible endorsement that your documents meet international plain language standards, reviewed by qualified plain language experts.