Checklist for information production and review

We check each page we create or review against a checklist which includes the points below.

Background work

• There is evidence of a literature review and research.

• References are complete, up to date and presented in correct style.

• Check there is no duplication with other content.

• Consideration of analytics and feedback.

Content considerations

• Content meets a clearly defined user need and key messages are clear.

• Content addresses user – uses 'you' appropriately.

• Content uses plain English, is easy to read and free from jargon.

• Content uses active voice.

• Maximum of 4 sentences per paragraph.

• Content uses white space.

• Content avoids unnecessary adverbs.

• Content is in present tense.

• Content explains technical terms or links to the glossary.

• Bullet lists are in the correct format and entity type.

• Check for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.

• Links are appropriate with clear calls to action.

• Use contractions appropriately and sensitively.

• Present numbers and statistics following health literacy guidance.

• The information reflects the available evidence and includes any areas of uncertainty.

The information is easy to find and it is accessible

Update metadata including:

• keywords in title and in content

• summary

• meta description (160 characters or less)

• alt text is included for all images

• videos have transcripts