Professional writing skills for non-native English speakers

Course summary

“I can speak English fluently, but writing letters and emails at work is very different.”

“I studied English to a high level, but I never learned any business writing.”

“My line manager often changes what I have written without explanation.”

Does this sound like you? If English isn’t your first language, business writing can be a big challenge. You may be extremely good at grammar and spelling, but not quite so sure how to word an email or construct an effective letter. This customised course will help you to express yourself clearly and appropriately in written English, including tips on building your skills and confidence.

LP, Outward Housing

“The course will be really helpful with my day to day job and I have really enjoyed my time during the training.”

MM, The Original London

“The trainer was amazing and had great knowledge. I could just sit for the whole day and listen! I am very pleased with what I have gained today.”

GR, Smartology

“I have been to other training courses before but this experience actually has been exceptional. I met my objectives with the amazing support of the trainer, and the course book was very helpful.”

Course dates and location

All our training courses are being delivered virtually. The webinar systems used do not require software download.

Please note: we allow a maximum of three people per organisation on our Individual training courses.

Our next available course dates for individuals are:

11 June 2024
19 September 2024

We can deliver this course virtually for your organisation, on a date and time that suits you. If you have four or more people who would like to attend this course then group training could be the most cost-effective option. Contact one of our Training Coordinators on 020 7490 3030 or email for more information and a quote.

We will focus on the skills you need for business writing and writing at work. Topics will include:

good practice in business writing in English
planning your documents—a reader-friendly approach
finding the right structure
guidelines on letters and emails, and some useful phrases
using plain English – fewer words, shorter words and sentences
keeping it active, avoiding jargon and abstracts
getting the tone right
good sentence construction in English
some common grammar mistakes
punctuation and style guidelines
tips on presentation and layout
checking your documents
a year of free support

This course can be run as a group session or as an individual, half-day coaching session.

The course is suitable for anyone working in English a second language who would like support in any aspect of writing at work.

The Centre works with people from all sectors including the public sector, voluntary sector, corporate sector and private sector.

The course will boost your confidence and your skills. It will give you the tools for writing clear, concise English at work, whatever the task. You will leave with a useful handbook and an action plan for developing your skills.

If you want to improve your writing skills but English is your first language, then you may find another of our writing courses to be more suitable for you. Take a look at Writing skills: the basics – one day course or Business writing skills (which is aimed at those who need a bit more practice). For our full list of writing courses click here.

£469 plus VAT not-for-profit price (applies to charities and all other not-for-profit organisations, including public sector and housing)
£522 plus VAT standard price (applies to all other organisations)

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Standard price: £522 VAT: £104.40; TOTAL: £626.40 ‘Not-for-profit’ price: £469 VAT: £93.80; TOTAL: £562.80

We have a two-tier pricing structure, offering discounted rates to charities and not-for-profit organisations: Not-for-profit price applies to charities and other not-for-profit organisations (including public sector and housing) Standard price applies to all other organisations

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