ANZ — Cushla Scholfield

Judges’ comment

This was a strong entry, and argued a good case for the influence that Cushla Scholfield has had within ANZ Bank. Cushla, you are clearly a driving force for the plain English initiatives — particularly with the Consumer Law Reform project.

You have been ANZ’s plain English champion and you’ve been very influential (as the bank’s representative on the MBIE Advisory Group). You’ve taken feedback from the Advisory Group back to the bank and applied it to your own and your team’s writing (the loan agreements).

You have gained ‘buy in’ from senior managers for plain English by couching it as a step forward for the bank and as a way of meeting their ‘new ANZ’ goal. That’s a really solid way of drawing their attention to the benefits of plain English.

We particularly liked your use of words about responding to complaint letters “clearly, simply, and with empathy”.

Media statement

I’m very proud to be a finalist for Plain English Champion — Best Individual or Team.

I’m passionate about plain English and, as a lawyer for ANZ, have championed it within our organisation.
Using plain English is good for ANZ and for our customers. Using plain English means we communicate clearly and help our customers make better-informed decisions with greater trust.

It’s wonderful to be recognised for my efforts in making plain English a part of what we do at ANZ.