Plain English Foundation

Principals

Dr Neil James is the Foundation’s executive director and has trained over 2,000 workplace professionals. He was a communications consultant for the public and private sectors, and also worked in the NSW Cabinet Office and Arts NSW.

In 2003, Neil co-founded the Plain English Foundation with Peta Spear. He has a doctorate in English at the University of Sydney and speaks regularly in the media about public language. Neil’s most recent book is Writing at Work: How to write clearly, effectively and professionally.

Dr Peta Spear is the Foundation’s managing director. She has extensive experience in plain English editing and instructional design. Peta began her career working in the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Australian Film Commission. She has published several books and has a doctorate in writing at the University of Western Sydney.

Training team

Michael Bence has taught business English internationally, as well as working as an academic manager. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in teaching English as a second language and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Professor Peter Butt was a professor of law at the University of Sydney and founding director of the Centre for Plain Legal Language at that university. He has many years experience in teaching and legal practice. Peter is well known for his publications, which include Modern Legal Drafting, Land Law and the Australian Legal Dictionary.   

Larissa Levkovitch is experienced in teaching English, and media and communications. She has a Bachelor of Social Science from Macquarie University, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and a Post Graduate Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).

Greg Moriarty is the Foundation’s training and evaluation coordinator. Greg has extensive teaching experience, which includes delivering nationally recognised business training. He has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University, and a Diploma of Training and Assessment. He also completed the College of Law’s legal practice course.

Meredith Thumann has experience in the international corporate training sector. She is completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney. Meredith also has a Communication and Language Trainer Certificate (Corporate).

Editing team

Justine Cooper is a specialist technical editor. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Book Editing and Publishing from Macleay College and a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Sydney. Justine was previously a content developer at the British Standards Institution.

Angela Michaelis has worked as a writer and editor in media and communications, winning a literacy year award medal for her work. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Mass Communication from Macquarie University and previously worked for ABC Radio.

Corporate Services team

Glenn James is the Foundation’s finance and operations manager. He has a Masters in Finance from the University of NSW. Glenn has experience in banking and finance, IT business analysis, credit and lending administration, and international trade and commerce.

Brendan O'Reilly is the Foundation’s IT coordinator. He is finishing his Bachelor of Communication at the University of Western Sydney and previously worked in IT Support at the Centre for Cultural Research there. Brendan has experience in web-development, design and IT.