- What size should a sign be (eg length and width)? What size should the surround of the identity be and the type size in relation to the size of the sign? What size should the band be at the base?
- Replacing signs is expensive, is there a way to apply the new identity that’s cost effective?
- Can the identity be used as a device on walls and carpets?
- Can flags be designed to fly over NHSScotland buildings?
- What’s the recommended way to co-brand a joint venture between two or more NHS areas?
- Can GP’s use the identity?
- Does the identity have to always be positioned top right on everything?
- Where do I get master versions of the identity for my Trust in electronic format?
- What are the restrictions on use of the corporate typeface Stone Sans?
- Are the examples of forms shown to be used in the format presented or can NHS bodies use their existing forms and colours?
- Some correspondence uses databases with preset templates which cannot be accessed or are created in single documents. When incorporating the new templates this changes the settings of previous letters. Is it acceptable to re-arrange the layout to accommodate these issues?
- Does all stationary have to be printed in two colours?
- Do health campaigns have to conform to the guidelines?
What size should a sign be (eg length and width)? What size should the surround of the identity be and the type size in relation to the size of the sign? What size should the band be at the base?
There are no fixed elements. All aspects of scale need to be established on a site by site basis. The guidelines provide best practice examples showing how the identity and core information relationships should be presented.
Replacing signs is expensive, is there a way to apply the new identity that’s cost effective?
Self adhesive vinyl sheets can be produced and applied over existing signage. Providing the signage structure is in good condition, this is a simple way to refurbish and achieve the new corporate look.
Can the identity be used as a device on walls and carpets?
No. The identity should only be used to reinforce communications. To create a pattern or use it in any other way is unnecessary, can denigrate its meaning and could be seen as unnecessary expenditure.
Can flags be designed to fly over NHSScotland buildings?
This isn’t recommended, as it could be seen as an unnecessary expense.
What’s the recommended way to co-brand a joint venture between two or more NHS areas?
If there are two or three partners, use the caring device with NHS above the names (ideally arranged alphabetically). For four or more partners, use the core NHSScotland identity and list the names elsewhere in the text. Where a joint venture includes a Special Health Board use the title of the Board rather than NHSScotland to ensure appropriate recognition and apply the same principals.
Can GP’s use the identity?
Yes, providing the guidelines are followed, it is acceptable to use the local area identity. Ideally a reference to the relevant NHS Trust should be included at the base of the letterhead eg ‘This general practice is part of NHSAnyArea’.
Does the identity have to always be positioned top right on everything?
Yes. All NHSScotland organisations need to be consistent in order to achieve coherency to effect and reinforce a corporate identity across all the bodies. In some cases, for example literature, bottom right is an acceptable alternative.
Where do I get master versions of the identity for my Trust in electronic format?
There are guidelines managers in each of the Trusts and Boards who hold all the assets. Their details can be found on this website, click on the appropriate button.
What are the restrictions on use of the corporate typeface Stone Sans?
The only limitations are the number of licenses available for each Trust and Board. This is listed in the Identikit. This means that the number of users is restricted at any one time, and also saves the expense of more widespread licenses. It is the Trust of Board’s responsibility to manage this, and ensure that any external suppliers return the font and do not copy it. The license covers PC and Mac Users.
Are the examples of forms shown to be used in the format presented or can NHS bodies use their existing forms and colours?
The examples shown in the guidelines demonstrate two principals. Firstly, how to use the identity and secondly, a simple style for laying out the information in a practical and consistent way. If it is more economic to just incorporate the new identity into an existing format this is acceptable.
Some correspondence uses databases with preset templates which cannot be accessed or are created in single documents. When incorporating the new templates this changes the settings of previous letters. Is it acceptable to re-arrange the layout to accommodate these issues?
Ideally try and use the template provided, if this is not possible then ensure the identity is always located top right in the recommended size and observe the exclusion zone. Where this is not possible use bottom right as the location.
Does all stationary have to be printed in two colours?
There are alternative options in the guidelines for using plain black or the darker blue only. There are opportunities to make significant savings by printing the two colour version using the identity only and templating address details by do-coordinating joint purchase agreements across departments and Trusts.
Do health campaigns have to conform to the guidelines?
Ideally yes. The purpose of the identity is to bring consistency to all NHSScotland communications. It is recognised that for some sectors of the community there may need to be flexibility (ie ‘young people’), however the identity still needs to appear even if it is discreetly on the back of literature.