The PIF TICK

The PIF TICK is the UK-wide Quality Mark for Health Information

Having the PIF TICK on leaflets, websites, videos or apps shows an organisation’s health information has been through a professional and robust production process. To be awarded the PIF TICK an organisation must show its health information production process meets 10 criteria.

In summary the 10 criteria for trustworthy health information are:

1. Systems:  Information is created using a consistent and documented  process.
2. Training: Staff receive ongoing training and support.
3. Need: Resources meet a genuine need.
4. Evidence: Information is based on reliable, up-to-date evidence which is communicated clearly.
5. Involving users: Users are involved in the development of information.
6. Health inequalities: Information is written to meet health and digital literacy, language and accessibility needs of the target audience.
7. Content and design: Information is clearly communicated, easy to access and navigate.
8. Feedback: There is a clear process for users to provide feedback.
9. Disseminating: Information is promoted to maximise reach.
10. Impact: The impact of information is measured.

NHS organisations, health charities and companies creating and publishing health information can apply for the PIF TICK.

The PIF TICK is awarded after a thorough application and assessment process. Each of the 10 criteria has a number of requirements. Organisations applying for the scheme must meet the acceptable standard in each of the core criteria to be awarded the PIF TICK. 

The PIF TICK criteria was developed in consultation with the Patient Information Forum’s 1,000 strong membership representing 300 cross sector organisations.

Consumer research found 80% of the public would look for a quality mark on health information. Evidence, plain English and trained staff were the top three criteria for quality health information identified by the public, although all criteria were supported.

We have created a website to provide guidance and support to members of the public who are looking for trusted health information and to highlight organisations accredited with the PIF TICK. You can find the website here: www.piftick.org.uk

An evaluation of the pilot scheme found pilot organisations saw equal value in mapping their processes against the criteria, the assessment visit itself and the resulting action plan.

• 100% felt the scheme helped maintain or improve internal processes and procedures
• 90% made changes to their internal processes as a result of the assessment
• 100% would recommend the scheme to other organisations
• 100% described the assessment as informative
• 90% described the assessment as both robust and supportive.

Based on the success of the pilot the scheme was opened to new members in May 2020.

The PIF TICK is open to NHS, charity, voluntary and private sector organisations who create and publish health information. The flexible criteria were tested in cross-sector organisations, large and small.

The application and assessment process

• Apply
• Pre-consultation
• Pay Fee
• Pre Assessment Paperwork
• Assessment
• Action Plan
• Action Plan Implementation
• Sign off and certification
• PIF TICK Awarded for 12 months
• Reassessment and renewal of membership

Fee structure

The fee for PIF TICK is annual and is based on the sector, income and size of the applying organisation. This allows equal access to the scheme for small charities and large corporate organisations.

The scheme is operated on a not-for-profit basis and fees charged cover the cost of operating the scheme.

Group membership is included in the PIF TICK fee.  This provides organisations undertaking PIF TICK with access to a range of resources including How to guides and webinars to support them through the assessment process.You can find out more about the benefits of Group membership here.

Fee ranges

• Charitable organisation: £500-£3,000 +VAT
• NHS Trusts and centrally funded organisations: £1,000 +VAT
• Commercial organisations: £500 +VAT upwards

Application form

Complete the form in the link below to find out the fee that will apply to your organisation.

PIF TICK application form