A readers’ panel is a group of people who have volunteered to read new and updated information.

We need volunteers to look at different information leaflets throughout the year and tell us if they are:

• easy to read

• clear

• suitable for the purpose

It is important we know that the information we produce has been through a rigorous checking process where input is received both by our Professional Advisers’ Committee and people with tinnitus or those who work with them.

This checking procedure ensures that we comply with the requirements of The Information Standard and will help us to improve the publications we produce for you.

What is The Information Standard?

The Information Standard is a new certification scheme for health and social care information producers. Those organisations that meet the criteria of The Information Standard will then be entitled to place a quality mark on their information materials so people searching for health and social care information can easily identify it as coming from a reliable, trustworthy source.

What does The Information Standard assess?

The Information Standard looks at processes. Our process for developing information will be assessed rather than individual pieces of information. The assessment we undertake will evaluate elements like our processes for making sure information produced is consistent with latest clinical evidence and our process for involving information users.

Why has The Information Standard been set up?

The Information Standard has been established to help people make informed choices about their lifestyle, conditions and treatment/care options, by providing a recognised and trusted quality mark that will indicate reliable sources of health and social care information.

Good quality information is defined as being:

• clear
• relevant
• evidence based
• authoritative
• complete
• secure
• accurate
• well-designed
• readable
• accessible
• up-to-date

What is the BTA’s involvement with The Information Standard?

The BTA is committed to adhering to and complying with The Information Standard. The BTA intends to adopt the standard, and accepts the scheme aims.

This will help the BTA achieve its Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities.

The Information Standard will apply to all information contained within the BTA’s series of leaflets, wherever these appear.

We are asking that members of the Readers Panel help ensure that the BTA complies with The Information Standard,

Who are we looking for?

We want the panel to be made up of as many different people as possible and to include men and women of different ages from different communities living in different parts of the country.

What does it involve?

We will send you copies of a leaflet along with an evaluation form for each one.

You then give us feedback and return the evaluation form to us.

This is our first readers’ panel so we need to see what works and what doesn’t – for you and for us. For the time being, we will send you publications as and when they are being produced – this should be about four times a year at irregular intervals

What will you be asked?

We will ask you to comment on:

• whether there’s any ‘jargon’ – words which are unclear and unhelpful or not explained
• whether we’ve included too much information, for example, long, unclear sentences
• whether any instructions and diagrams which are unclear and unhelpful
• if there are any issues with the design of the leaflet – whether the text size is easy to read for example
• how helpful was the information, did it tell you what you needed to know?
• did you consider the information to be up to date?
• is there anything else you would like to see covered?

All members are free to comment on any aspect of the leaflet that they feel needs improvement or praise.

How long will I have to read and comment on the leaflets?

We ask that people try to read and comment on any information they are sent within two weeks of receiving it.

How will the information get to me?

We can send the information by post or email, whichever you prefer.

Will I have to pay to return my comments?

No, if you have had the leaflets posted out to you, you will also be sent a reply paid envelope to send them back in.

Will I have to read and comment on all information sent to me?

Whether you read and comment on leaflets that are sent to you is entirely up to you. It might be that you are having a busy time, are on holiday, not feeling well or simply don't feel like it. You decide whether you want to do it, not us.

How do I give my comments?

You can write your comments on the form provided with the leaflet. You can also make notes directly on the leaflet we send to you.

What happens to the information once I have commented on it?

All comments received will be sent to the original author of the information and taken into consideration. A final draft of the leaflet is then sent to the Professional Advisers’ Committee for approval.

How will I know what use you make of my comments?

You can see how we use your comments to improve our information by requesting a copy of the finalised leaflet to be sent to you.

Leaflets that have gone through the Readers’ Panel will carry the Information Standard Accreditation.

Will I get paid?

Members of our readers' panel are volunteers. There will be a freepost address to send your feedback to. You should not incur any expenses, all you are giving us is your time.

How do you join?

If after reading this you are interested in becoming a member of the Readers' Panel, then please contact:

Nic Wray,

Communications Manager,

British Tinnitus Association,

Ground Floor, Unit 5

Acorn Business Park

Woodseats Close

Sheffield

S8 0TB

Email: nic@tinnitus.org.uk

Telephone: 0114 250 9933

Textphone: 0114 2585694