Communication helps people take part and become active citizens.  However, due to many reasons, including sensory impairment, learning disabilities, cultural background and education we can all experience difficulty because of communication barriers.  The Council understands and supports people’s right to participate in society and wants to make sure its communications are clear.  This means removing or minimising barriers to access.

Plain English

We promote the use of plain English to ensure that our communications, documents, forms and leaflets are easy to understand.

All our Directorates have nominated Plain English advisors.  These are members of staff who have been trained and understand the standards and principles of Plain English.  They can offer help and guidance to ensure that what we say in our letters, leaflets and forms is clear and makes sense.

Translation and Interpreting

We have been working with partners to develop standards for translating and interpreting information.  This is to ensure that those needing to receive or give information that is vital for their ability to receive a service or participate in important activity, can do so without undue difficulty or embarrassment.

There will be clear instances when people need to receive information in their ‘first language’, or receive communication support if they cannot otherwise access the service or information because of a disability or their ability to speak or read English.  This includes:

• Deaf people who use Sign Language ( for many this will be their first language).
• Blind people who read Braille or Moon (an easier version of Braille).
• People with learning disabilities who need information in an Easy Read, signed or symbol format  known as the Total Communication approach.
• People with a hearing impairment or people who are deaf but not users of Sign Language who may need communication support in the form of a speech-to-text typist or a lip-speaker.
• People who require information in another language.
• Any combination of these.

However, this does not mean that every document has to be translated into a range of languages or formats. Information is ‘readily available’ in different languages/formats where a proportionate need is identified.

We routinely provide key documents about our social care services in the main community languages used in Devon.  

Where it is appropriate to do so, our services are able to provide documents in key languages, including Braille and in formats such as, large print or audio tape. Depending on the type of service and location, these may be available routinely or on request.

Staff can find out more about languages and preferred interpreting agencies under The Source. (intranet)

British Sign Language

Devon County Cuncil are committed to the Devon Charter for British Sign Language. This contains a series of pledges to be achieved.

A significant part of our commitment is to ensure that we can communicate effectively with people who are Deaf.

We encourage staff who are at the forefront of delivering services to participate in basic sign language training. A growing number of staff are taking up these opportunities, and meet regularly to share their learning and practice their skills with the help of Deaf people.

We produce an increasing number of videos that include both subtitles and sign language, to communicate important documents and issues.  These include things such as, the Council’s Strategic Plan, our Feedback Policy and how to contact the Council.

More information on the Devon Charter for British Sign Language.

Website
People using our website can alter the size and colour of the text and the colour of the background. This helps people with difficulties such as sight impairments or dyslexia, to see and read the information more easily.

Further information

• English as an additional Language (3.85MB - pdf help)