The right to understand guarantees that the information generated by public institutions is not only available, but that it is understandable to all people. It is not enough to access the data: it is essential to be able to interpret and use them. Therefore, this right is complemented by the right to know, forming together the basis of real and effective transparency.
Thus, the information should be:
Clear and adapted to the needs of different groups,
Written in clear language and, when necessary, in easy reading, contextualized and explained with sufficient precision.
La Law 19/2013 In its article 5.4, it establishes that transparency information must be published on web pages in a clear, organized and easy-to-understand manner and, preferably, in reusable formats.
The Transparency Portal is working to have information both in clear language and in easy reading, although, in this case, some of its pages.
Clear language: It means that a text is written and presented so that anyone can find what they need, understand it and use it easily. It is about simplifying and making comprehensible complex texts, following guidelines such as those of the UNE-ISO 24495-1 Standard.
Easy reading: It is a way to make documents easier to understand, especially useful for people with difficulties of understanding (people with intellectual disabilities, elderly people or people who do not master the language well). Use simple phrases, visual supports, and step-by-step explanations. According to Standard UNE 153101:2018 EX, specific rules of drafting and design must be followed and it must be verified that they are really understandable. Access to the Pages in easy reading of the Transparency Portal of the General State Administration.
In addition, on this page of the Right to Understand you will be able to access clear and understandable information about different general concepts such as:
What is the Transparency Portal of the General State Administration?
What are the Transparency Information Units?
Government and Administration
The High Offices
Public employees
Clear language
Administrative and legal texts are often complex, excessively technical and with a very specialized lexicon. To ensure the understanding of the information provided by the citizens, clear language must be used, which means a method of writing that, in addition to language, takes into account the structure, design and organization of the content.
Clear language is understandable language. It is about communicating in a clear, simple, direct, transparent and effective way the information that is relevant to the citizens.
It consists of making complex texts simple and comprehensible so that you can understand without hesitation what is read or what is said, taking into account the guidelines and recommendations of the Standard UNE-ISO 24495-1. If it is clear, it is precise.
The official definition of clear language is as follows: A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.
This involves using simple sentences:
Subject more verb more preached.
Avoid complicated words or technical expressions.
Be direct, say what we want without adorning it with unnecessary verbs, adjectives or descriptions.
Easy reading
Easy reading is a way to create documents that are easier to understand. While clear language is aimed at the general public, easy reading is useful for all people, but above all, for people with any kind of reading or comprehension difficulties.
30% of the population has reading difficulties or reading comprehension and therefore needs versions adapted to easy reading of the published information in order to exercise their right to understand.
To make reading easy it is important to follow some rules and validate the documents.
