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Cover of Excellence
What is the Cover of Excellence® logo?
Who is eligible to display the logo?
How can you obtain a copy of the logo?
What restrictions are there on the use of the logo?
What is the disclosure of limited liability?
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cover of Excellence® logo?
The Cover of Excellence® logo is a composite mark of the "star device" symbol and the words "COVER OF EXCELLENCE". The symbol, words and the composite mark are three separate registered trademarks owned by the Professional Standards Councils. The Councils use the composite mark as a brand name for the schemes approved under professional standards legislation, calling them the Cover of Excellence® schemes.
Occupational associations and their members, who are covered by approved Cover of Excellence® schemes, can display the logo. This shows their organisation is committed to improving professional standards in their area of work and protecting consumers who use their services.
| The star device symbol is a seven-pointed white star on a rectangular blue background. The text "COVER OF EXCELLENCE" must always have the trademark legend [ ® ] attached. |
Who is eligible to display the logo?
To be eliglbe to use the Cover of Excellence® logo or phrase, you must be:
1. a member of an occupational association that administers a scheme, and
2. a member of a class covered by that scheme.
To work out if you are eligible you can:
- contact your occupational association, ask if they administer a Cover of Excellence® scheme and whether you covered by it, or
- check our schemes section to see if your occupational association has a current scheme.
How can you obtain a copy of the logo?
The logo is only available from occupational associations that administer a scheme. You must contact the scheme administrator at your association for a copy of the logo.
What restrictions are there on the use of the logo?
The logo is a registered trademark. Therefore, the integrity of the logo must be protected through correct use.
Before using the logo, it is essential that you read the logo Style Guide and Trademark Licence. These documents govern the use of the logo including its placement, size, colour and authorised use. Please contact the scheme administrator at your association for a copy of the relevant documents.
Suggested uses for the logo:
- advertisements in print media, directory listings or similar forms of promotions
- business cards
- documents such as written advice, plans, drawings, specifications and other documents produced by the service provider for clients
- emails
- envelopes
- fax cover sheets
- letterheads and letters issued by the service provider
- memorandum of fees and invoices
- newsletters and other publications
- websites
- 'with compliments' slips.
Please contact the Office of the Professional Standards Council to discuss whether other uses of the logo are acceptable.
What is the disclosure of limited liability?
If you are covered by a scheme, you are required under professional standards legislation to disclose your limited liability status in all documents given to a client or prospective client that promotes or advertises your occupation.
It is an offence not to disclose your limited liability status.
Use of the Cover of Excellence® logo does not replace your obligation to disclose your limited liabiity status. The logo is direct way to let your clients know that they are dealing with a professional who participates in a Cover of Excellence® scheme.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I use the Cover of Excellence® logo?
A. If you are a member of a professional or occupational association which participates in a professional standards scheme, you are eligible to use the Cover of Excellence® logo.
Q. Where do I get the logo from?
A. The logo, Conditions of Use and Style Guide can be obtained from the scheme administrator at your association. Your scheme admininstrator has been provided with a master copy CD-ROM for this purpose.
Q. Why can’t I download the logo from the Professional Standards Councils website?
A. The logos found on the Councils' website are for information purposes only. Copies of the logo are only available from your association. The Conditions of Use and Style Guide pertaining to its use should be read carefully to ensure appropriate use.
Q. Can the logo be modified?
A. The logo can only be produced in its original two colours - White and either Black or PMS 280 Blue. The image must not be altered or reversed. Both the image and the words Cover of Excellence® must be displayed as a single entity, including the trademark legend.
Q. Our website has a dark background which makes the logo difficult to see, how can I make it more legible?
A. Whilst the logo is designed to be produced on a white background, in instances where it is to be placed on a dark background an "artificial" white background should be inserted to surround the logo. The background should surround the logo by no more that 2mm and it should not have a border.
Q. Does the logo replace the requirement for disclosure?
A. No, use of the logo does not replace the need for a disclosure statement. The Cover of Excellence® logo is an optional image to indicate high standards of service and consumer care.
The prescribed form of disclosure is: “Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.”
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