Literacy Fact Sheets
Page 10 of 12

Conduct Your Own Literacy Audit

An audit is a study or survey that helps you describe the way things are being done now.

A literacy audit is a tool that you can use to find out if you (or your section, or your department)

  • are aware of the issues and difficulties that people with low literacy skills face
  • know how to make sure that people with low literacy skills understand the verbal and written information you give them
  • treat witnesses and suspects who have low literacy skills with fairness and respect

By answering the questions in this literacy audit, you will learn how you are doing with the processes and documents you use now. It will also point out where you need to do more to make sure that everyone can understand your section's (or your department's) written and verbal communications.

Here are three possible ways to do the literacy audit:

  • Do the audit by yourself. It will take less than 10 minutes.
  • Meet with your colleagues and do the audit together (in about 30 minutes).
  • Have a lunch meeting and spend an hour doing the audit and creating a plan of action.

Section 1: Processes and Steps

  Read the question and assess your current situation Circle your assessment here
1. We use drawings, charts, and other graphics in letters, notices, and forms. Never Sometimes Usually
2. We offer non-print help (such as audio and video tapes). Never Sometimes Usually
3. We use visual elements like drawings, charts and other graphics in printed material. Never Sometimes Usually
4. The graphics we use are clear and simple. Never Sometimes Usually
5. We ask every person if they need help to complete forms or other paperwork. Never Sometimes Usually

Section 2: Written Material

  Read the question and assess your current situation Circle your assessment here
1. our written forms and materials are easy to read and easy to use. Never Sometimes Usually
2. We follow plain language and clarity when we produce written materials. Never Sometimes Usually
3. We write witness statements in everyday language. Never Sometimes Usually
4. We define technical and legal terms in any text. Never Sometimes Usually
5. We use words that are simple and common words, not police jargon or legalese. Never Sometimes Usually
6. We only ask people for information or to fill out forms when it is truly necessary. Never Sometimes Usually
7. We go over all written statements orally, using clear language, and checking to make sure the person understands. Never Sometimes Usually

Section 3: Public Relations

  Read the question and assess your current situation Circle your assessment here
1. We ask people for feedback on how well our written materials meet their needs. Never Sometimes Usually
2. We avoid jargon and we define legalese when it must be used. Never Sometimes Usually
3. We explain things using the correct level of detail for each person. We check if they understand before we move on. Never Sometimes Usually
4. We offer all witnesses the same assistance, so we don't embarrass people who have low literacy skills. Never Sometimes Usually
5. We encourage people to ask questions. Never Sometimes Usually
6. We watch and listen for clues about a person's literacy level. Never Sometimes Usually

Section 4: our Role in Literacy

  Read the question and assess your current situation Circle your assessment here
1. We inform ourselves about literacy issues and our responsibility to treat people with low literacy fairly and with respect. Never Sometimes Usually
2. We support literacy groups in the community. Never Sometimes Usually
3. We train staff in how to respond to the needs of people with low literacy. Never Sometimes Usually
4. We train staff in clear writing. Never Sometimes Usually
5. We partner with literacy groups in our community to raise the profile of this "invisible" issue. Never Sometimes Usually

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