PIF TICK logo – A PIF TICK with the text Trusted Information Creator on a dark blue background

Government funds PIF TICK certification for up to 40 UK rare disease charities

The Office for Life Sciences has provided grant funding to the Patient Information Forum (PIF) to support rare disease charities in the UK achieve PIF TICK certification. The PIF TICK is the UK’s recognised quality mark for health information.

The grant will cover the certification fees for 40 small rare disease charities. Additional support to help organisations achieve certification is also included in the funding.

The programme aims to:

  • Increase the availability of evidence-based, accessible and user-centred rare disease information.
  • Strengthen patient and public involvement in the development and review of health information.
  • Increase confidence amongst healthcare professionals when signposting patients to charity produced information.

Funding is strictly limited to 40 organisations. Applications close at the end of November. 

Participating organisations must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a UK rare disease charity or eligible patient organisation (non cancer).
  • Have an annual income below £500,000.
  • Produce health information for people living with rare diseases, their families, carers or healthcare professionals.
  • Be ready to start the PIF TICK programme promptly following selection.
  • Have staff or volunteer capacity and internal approval to take part in the programme.

Complete the form to apply now

Supporting you to achieve certification 

The PIF TICK is run by the Patient Information Forum (PIF) – a UK-based charity.

To gain the PIF TICK, creators must show their information production process meets 10 quality criteria. 

Capacity can be a challenge for small organisations so extra help is on hand to help rare disease charities achieve our standards. PIF TICK engagement manager, Rosa Legeno Bell, and Lead Assessor, Ruth Renfrew, will guide you through the process. You will also have access to:

  • Weekly assessor-led support and question-and-answer sessions.
  • Delivery of webinars and recorded training modules.
  • Mentoring and peer-support opportunities.
  • Access to relevant PIF membership resources and tools.

Benefits of the PIF TICK

2 in 3 adults say independent verification of health information increases trust.

9 in 10 say the PIF TICK has ‘transformed’ or ‘improved’ their health information.

9 in 10 Trusted Information Creators would recommend the PIF TICK.  

Certified organisations feature on the PIF TICK website, this connects the public to trusted sources of information and support. You will join a supportive community of more than 160 certified organisations who share best practice and expertise.