These guidelines show how the UK Forum for Stroke Training (UKFST) Quality Mark should be presented and used by organisations or individuals where educational courses or training programmes have been endorsed. They are a guide for anyone involved in the production of printed or electronic materials relating to endorsed courses or training.
UKFST Quality Mark
Successful endorsement of an organisation’s course or training programme is visually represented by the UKFST Quality Mark. The UKFST Quality Mark incorporates a Quality Mark (QM) number, which is unique to each successful endorsement. Individuals attending endorsed courses or training, or organisations purchasing course or training material can be confident that the presence of the UKFST Quality Mark signifies adherence to the standards set out in the Stroke-Specific Education Framework (SSEF). It is therefore important to carefully position the UKFST Quality Mark on printed materials.
The Quality Mark must be immediately visible, whatever the type of publication. Pay special attention to the exclusion zone measurements detailed below. The exclusion zone is a defined space around the Quality Mark to allow for immediate and uncluttered recognition. Further, the space around the outside of the Quality Mark ensures that it is not confused with other graphic elements of information material.
UKFST Quality Mark Sizes – Printed Material
For printed formats, the pre-defined Quality Mark sizes must be adhered to. UKFST have supplied three sizes of Quality Mark. The guide below indicates the size of Quality Mark to be used on printed formats:
- A3 printed documentation – the Quality Mark height should be 22mm, and the exclusion at least 11mm
- A4 printed documentation – the Quality Mark height should be 16mm, and the exclusion at least 8mm
- A5 printed documentation – the Quality Mark height should be 11mm, and the exclusion at least 5.5mm
The minimum size on which the Quality Mark can be used is as per the A5 layout. The Quality Mark will lose recognition below these dimensions.
UKFST Quality Mark – What not to do:
- DO NOT use parts of the Quality Mark in isolation
- DO NOT use the Quality Mark without the unique QM number
- DO NOT place anything in the exclusion zone around the Quality Mark
- DO NOT use the Quality Mark over a image or background colour where it can’t be seen easily
- DO NOT use the Quality Mark in a white box over a coloured background
- DO NOT change the use of colour in the Quality Mark
- DO NOT fade the Quality Mark
- DO NOT stretch or Squash the Quality Mark
- DO NOT alter, vary, separate, redraw, reconstruct or substitute elements of the Quality Mark. This impairs legibility and weakens integrity and recognition.
UKFST Quality Mark - Coloured backgrounds
Be aware of using coloured backgrounds and the effect this has on the prominence of the Quality Mark. Wherever possible the Quality Mark should be used on a plain light background (white preferably) to ensure maximum visualisation.
The UKFST Quality Mark is designed to fit neatly onto printed and online information material. It is important to maintain the strength and integrity of the Quality Mark. Below are a few helpful “dos” of placement.
UKFST Quality Mark – May be used on:
Printed material linked exclusively to the UKFST endorsed course or training programme.
- Website pages linked exclusively to the UKFST endorsed course or training programme.
- Banners or exhibition equipment when related directly to the UKFST endorsed course or training programme.
UKFST Quality Mark – Must not be used on:
- General website information pages.
- General or specific literature that does not specifically relate to the course or training which has been UKFST endorsed (including organisation letterheads, compliments slips, general prospectus, Powerpoint presentations, etc).
UKFST Quality Mark – Additional rules for website use
Where the Quality Mark is used on an individual/organisation’s website (on pages ONLY relating to an endorsed course/its outline, etc.) there must be a form of words which may be included as part of your general terms and conditions. UKFST suggests the following statement.
“[Organisation name] are responsible for the accuracy of the information on this website. Neither the UK Forum for Stroke Training (UKFST), who operate the Endorsement Initiative, nor The Stroke Association or UK Stroke Forum who host the UKFST will have any responsibility for costs, losses or damages arising from information concerning endorsed courses or training programmes being inaccurate or from us failing to include relevant information.”
This statement relates only to website usage. You do not need to add this text to any printed documentation.
UKFST Quality Mark – Monochrome version
A monochrome version of the Quality Mark is available for use for black and white publications and where printing costs are a consideration. If, however, any other part of your printed material is in colour, the colour version of the Quality Mark must be used.
UKFST – Providing UKFST with copy documents using the UKFST Quality Mark
Organisations must supply copies of all printed material to UKFST where the Quality Mark has been used. Organisations must ensure they continue to provide UKFST with copies of revised or new documents using the UKFST Quality Mark during the duration of endorsement.
Organisations must also provide (and continue to provide during the duration of endorsement) details of where the UKFST Quality Mark is used on all electronic media.
UKFST Quality Mark – Acceptance of terms
Acceptance of the UKFST Quality Mark by an organisation or individual running or administering an endorsed course signifies acceptance of these rules on its use. Any breach of these guidelines risks the retraction of UKFST’s consent for the Quality Mark to be used.
Further Information
If you have a query about the UKFST Quality Mark, please contact us at ukfst@stroke.org.uk