SRUK Achieves PIF TICK Accreditation

“Achieving the PIF TICK gives credibility to our information materials. We pride ourselves on having high-quality information standards. “Our community, including the healthcare professionals who distribute our information, have the reassurance that this information is reliable, trustworthy and will enable people to make informed decisions about their healthcare.” Ollie Scott, Information and Support Services Manager, SRUK

We are delighted to announce that Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK is now PIF TICK accredited. This demonstrates that the information we provide to our community and beyond has been certified for accuracy and relevance. PIF stands for Patient Information Forum, the independent UK membership body for organisations involved in health information and support. Our certification under this scheme reflects our commitment to the provision of high-quality health information. The PIF quality mark or ‘PIF TICK’ is the new standard that was launched to replace the former Information Standard. To qualify, health information organisations must meet the ten key criteria developed by PIF’s 1000-strong membership that represents over 300 health organisations. There was an initial pilot involving a small group of major health brands and charities to test this criteria, alongside other organisations including Bupa, Cancer Research UK and The Royal College of Anaesthetists. The PIF TICK logo can now be applied to leaflets and websites, or to any health information source that has undergone the certified production process. SRUK as one of the early members of the scheme underwent an assessment to show that our production process meets all of the following:

1. Information is created using a consistent and 6. Information is written in plain English documented process 7. Print and digital information is easy to use and 2. Staff are trained and supported to produce navigate high-quality information 8. Users can give feedback on information 3. Information meets an identified consumer need 9. Information is promoted to ensure it reaches those who need it 4. Information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence 10. The impact of information is measured 5. Patients are involved in the development of health information

All of this is important to us because we pride ourselves on being a reliable source of health information for the public. Everything that we do goes through a rigorous reviewing process. After something has been written, it is then peer reviewed. After that, we send it out to one of our members to read and then it is submitted for final approval. This process ensures that by the time you receive a support programme PDF or patient story, it is of the highest calibre. Research by PIF found that over 80% of the public would look for a quality mark on health information. Much of our content already has the Information Standard NHS England quality mark, which again means that all the information produced has been certified as being clear, accurate, impartial, evidence-based, and current. Sue Farrington, Chair of PIF and Chief Executive of Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK said: “Supporting and driving up quality and trust in health information has always been at the heart of PIF. “It has never been more important to signpost the public to trustworthy health information than in the current crisis. Following the success of the pilot, I am proud that SRUK is one of the first organisations to be awarded the PIF TICK. I would like to thank the 12 organisations who worked with us to develop and pilot the PIF TICK, which has been well-received across all sectors.” At SRUK we are constantly working to bring you the latest, clearest and most useful health advice and we are over the moon that our efforts have once again been recognised.