How do I draft in plain English?

What is meant by plain English?

Plain English is not defined in English law as such. Now and again, it is mentioned in a few laws (such as the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Sch 1, art 50(4)) but those laws do not define exactly what it is. Other laws refer instead to 'plain and intelligible' language (such as the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999 SI 1999/2083, reg 7(UTCCR)).

Therefore, if you want to understand the concept, you need to refer to those government organisations which are responsible for the laws which ensure that businesses draft agreements in 'plain and intelligible language' under laws such as the UTCCR.

By way of example, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) (which has responsibility for enforcing the UTCCR) refers to plain English as being, 'jargon free language which is clear and not open to misinterpretation, the effects of which are understandable to consumers (not just lawyers)'.

Is it just enough to write in plain English?

No. You should always remember that drafting a document in plain English