The Standard

The Information Standard is a quality filter which helps people to identify reliable information. At the heart of the scheme is the ‘standard’ itself – the stringent criteria that define good quality health or social care information and the methods needed to produce it. Organisations which meet the 'standard' are then entitled to use the quality mark - a recognisable symbol of quality and assurance.

In a nutshell, the standard tests whether organisations have methods and systems to ensure that the information they produce for the public is:

• accurate
• impartial
• balanced
• based on the evidence
• accessible
• and well-written

The aims of The Information Standard are:

• to provide an effective way for people to make judgements about information to support decisions regarding their lifestyle and care
• to support information producers in raising the general standard and reliability of information they provide to the public.

To meet the requirements of the standard, organisations must provide evidence that they:

• have the policy commitment and management structures required to meet the aims of the standard
• use systems and methods for producing information for the public that are designed to ensure that:
  • they have clear aims for the information they provide
  • they understand and meet the needs of their key audiences
  • they make the correct use of information sources
  • any conflict of interest is clear to the audience
  • they have the skills and resources needed to meet the quality requirements and for effective planning and management
  • have internal procedures to conduct effective monitoring and show how you meet the requirements for producing good quality information
  • have the ability to identify and correct examples of not meeting the criteria of the standard

The assessment of information producers will be a robust process provided by independent certification bodies accredited by The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). As an added check, these certification bodies will take a sample of information materials to test that the end product is consistent with high quality processes.

What information is covered within an organisation’s certification?

All health and/or social care information – in print, online or scripted – as specified by an information producer in a schedule, will be included in the scope of the certification process.

Manufacturers’ information for patients accompanying medicines is governed by another regulatory regime.