Dark blue background with lighter blue checks. In the centre is the PIF TICK logo on a white background.

How to apply for the PIF TICK

What you need to know about applying for PIF TICK certification.

Organisations and individuals producing health information can apply for the PIF TICK. The scheme is open to health charities, NHS Trusts, professional bodies, private companies and individuals who publish their own content.

When you apply for the PIF TICK you will be assigned a dedicated assessor. They will be there to support you throughout the application process and help to ensure you can meet all 10 criteria. The PIF TICK assessment is a supportive process designed to improve your health information production process. It is flexible to meet the needs of organisations of all sizes – from the smallest charities to large commercial organisations.

The PIF TICK application process

All PIF TICK applicants undergo a robust, independent assessment. The process when applying for the first time is:

  1. Initial application using the online form.
  2. Review by a member of the PIF TICK team to ensure you are eligible for the scheme.
  3. Payment of your PIF TICK fees. Fees cover the cost of the PIF TICK scheme which operates on a non-profit basis.
  4. Assignment of a dedicated assessor to support you during the assessment process.
  5. Submission using the online PIF TICK assessment portal with support from your assessor.
  6. Assessment and initial feedback from your assessor.
  7. Final report and assessment results.
  8. PIF TICK certificate issued, use of the PIF TICK logo awarded for 12 months and promotion as a certified member.
  9. Reassessment, ongoing support and renewal of membership every 12 months.
Dark blue background with lighter blue checks. In the centre is the PIF TICK logo on a white background.

Apply for PIF TICK certification

The PIF TICK publicly demonstrates your commitment to quality health information. The assessment process streamlines and improves your information production process. When you apply for PIF TICK certification you also automatically get access to all PIF member benefits.
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The PIF TICK criteria

 

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 literacy, digital inclusion, language and accessibility needs of the audience.
7.   Transparency and legal: Information complies with GDPR, promotion of medicines and other regulations.
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.

Resource Hub

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The PIF TICK online assessment portal

The PIF TICK online assessment portal has transformed the PIF TICK application process. The portal enables an iterative approach to assessment and easy communication with your assessor. Multiple members of the team can check your assessment progress using features like the live to-do list. Once your assessment is complete, you can still use the portal to access assessor support. This can help streamline your reassessment process.

After your assessment

Once you have passed your assessment you will be granted PIF TICK certification. This means you will be featured on our public-facing website, our social media channels and in the PIF TICK directory. You can also start using the PIF TICK on any resources created using your approved process for the next 12 months. We encourage all Trusted Information Creators to engage with our collaborative, wider membership via services like Ask the Membership and the Discussion Forum.

Criteria at a glance

Download a summary of the PIF TICK criteria and decide if your organisation is ready to apply.
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53 KB (PDF)

PIF TICK directory

View all certified PIF TICK creators by health topic in the latest version of the PIF TICK directory.
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5.4 MB (PDF)

PIF TICK benefits

Find out how the PIF TICK process is improving health information production processes.
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55 KB (PDF)
The PIF TICK – application and assessment process