The mark provides assurance that an information source is reliable and trustworthy. A quality mark guarentees that a level of excellence has been achieved. The mark will make it easier for people to make their own judgements about the standard of information given out, and consequently enable them to make informed decisions about their health and social care.
Use of the quality mark
As the quality mark indicates sources of information the public can rely on, correct usage is essential to protect the integrity of the scheme.
Certification bodies, the scheme operator and information producers all share responsibility for correct usage of the quality mark:
- Certification bodies will inform information producers, on certification, about the rules on the use of the quality mark and the need to comply with them. They will also monitor usage of the mark in surveillance and reassessment evaluations.
- Information producers must comply with the rules at all times in their usage of the quality mark.
- The Information Standard quality mark can only be used by information producers that have been certified under the scheme, within the scope of certification for that information producer.
The rules for use of the quality mark
The quality mark may be used on:
- Individual information products (printed, online or scripted) produced or revised under the terms of The Information Standard using the information production system that has been certified.
- Information about the information producer as an organisation – who they are, what they do.
- On the following website pages: home page, ‘about us’ page and landing pages leading into health and social care information pages.
- Awareness campaigns relating to health and/or social care information.
- Banners or exhibition equipment for industry conferences.
- Letterhead.
- Vehicles.
The quality mark must not be used on:
- Information products that are out of the agreed scope of certification.
- Information products that have not been produced using the information production system certified.
- Fundraising materials.
- Commercial advertising materials or information about products for sale.
- Awareness campaigns which do not relate to health and/or social care information.
Website usage requirements
Where the quality mark is used on the website, there must also be a disclaimer making clear that the following user-generated information is excluded from the scope of certification: weblogs, forums and personal experience pages – except where personal experience pages have been produced through a systematic process of validation.
Where the quality mark is used on an information producer’s website, there must also be a statement that responsibility for the accuracy of the information on the website lies with the information producer, as follows:
‘We,[Organisation name], are responsible for the accuracy of the information on this website. Neither Capita, who operate the scheme, nor the Department of Health, who own the scheme, will have any responsibility for costs, losses or damages arising from the information being inaccurate or from us failing to include relevant information.’
Brand requirements
Information producers should also refer to the separate brand guidelines for guidance on the correct layout and positioning of the logo. An interactive tutorial on correct use of the quality mark can be downloaded from related documents on the Members Support page.