Template Use FAQs
Consistency is key to establishing and maintaining a strong visual identity for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Templates, outside of the administrative templates of memo, fax, agenda and minutes, were designed by a professional agency with thought given to both customization and maintenance of the SHA's brand.
The following are some frequently asked questions about the initial suite of templates that have been established. The majority of templates will be housed within Communications and are to be used in accordance with the Writing Style Guide and SHA's Visual Identity Guide.
Any further directions, clarification or concerns should be directed to Communications.
Visual Identity Guide
Can we change/alter the templates?
No. Unless the content demands a change, you must use the templates as provided. Versions of each design-based templates (PowerPoint, posters, brochures) were created to provide options in support of varying demands and allow for customization of content within those templates. You can add needed design treatments within the templates, if required. These additional treatments should be added with purpose to support content, not simply to add variation. However, you are not allowed to change the layout or colours of the headers and footers and do not alter the logo. If the templates under use or provided to you require significant adaptations for your area, contact Communications for further direction and support.
Can we add photos in where there aren’t any (brochures and document covers)?
Templates provided will have recommendations for the location of imagery. Your images should be fact-based. They should reinforce the content you are sharing or the point you are demonstrating.
Are various departments or facilities able to create their own posters without the templates so long as they follow the SHA's visual identity guidelines? For example, my facility needs to announce some changes and I have my own template.
No. As we transition to a provincial health authority, it is important that every employee and physician working to reinforce the organization’s new visual identity. Following the soon to be release visual identity guidelines, there are some elements within that will allow application and treatments to add variety. There are also versions of each template to support the need for customization, but still fit within the overall visual identity/brand of the SHA. This includes basic black and white posters with plain text to full colour design with imagery.
I want to add pictures to the basic poster template provided to me. Can I?
Review template options with your local Communications area should you require photos or imagery on your poster. There are versions available to suit this type of customization. However, please ensure your photos or imagery are fact-based and reinforce the content you are sharing. Clip art and other comical graphical elements are not allowed. This includes customization of the SHA logo with graphical elements to reinforce your unit or program's purpose. Altering of the logo is strictly prohibited. Before inserting imagery into your template, please ensure you are familiar with the guidelines outlined regarding Photo, Video & Images.
I don’t like the new colours on the templates, can I change these colours to match our department/facility or my own personal preference as long as I have the logo on the page?
No. Often, facility or program colours were developed based on Regional Health Authority visual identity. These are no longer in effect. Even if they were not tied to a former RHA. There is an expectation that the Saskatchewan Health Authority brand be used for new materials. Templates and options within were developed to be in line with the overall Saskatchewan Health Authority brand.
Until sub-branding is properly determined within the new provincial health authority, and with that approved secondary visual identities, please use the established colours within these templates and consider enhancements within the templates using the approved complimentary colour templates that will be outlined in the SHA's visual identity guide.
Can I use a different font? I don’t like what you have and find it hard to read.
No. Calibri is the official font of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and it is not to be altered for personal preference.
What is best practice for the number of fonts use on a slide or poster?
The only font that is to be used is Calibri, which is the official font of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and universally accessible. There are different treatment guidelines provided for Headings and Sub-Headings, along with quotes etc. You can find those in the SHA’s Introductory Logo and Font Requirements guide.
Logo and Font Requirements Guide
Can I share this template with others?
No. Please ask others to download from the Intranet so they are reviewing and familiarizing themselves with the guidelines and standards associated with the template.
PowerPoint questions
I want to develop a presentation that is more representative of my project. Why do I have to use this template?
As we transition to a provincial health authority, it is important that every employee and physician working to reinforce the organization’s new identity. There are various templates provided to support these scenarios and allow for customization, based on your content needs, within. If the templates under use or provided to you require significant adaptations for your area, contact Communications for further direction and support.
Is there a word count for what I should have on a slide for PowerPoint?
Yes. Slides should not be cluttered with numerous pictures or excessive text. Limit your content to a maximum of six (6) lines per slide and use bullet points. These sentences should be short and concise. These are meant to reinforce your point, not be verbatim.
Where can I source graphics for my presentation? And, why can’t a copy images from the Internet?
Communications has access to photos which have received the appropriate consents. You can also take your own images. Ensure that the subjects within have signed the appropriate consent forms. These images should be taken with proper lighting and resolution. If securing your own images, it is recommended you utilize the skills of a photographer with proper training in still photographs.
Images on the internet are copyrighted. You must ensure you have found the source and are following all associated requirements for use. Companies often audit the use of their images and there have been fines issued in Saskatchewan for incorrect application of internet images.
You can purchase images from stock photography. However, please ensure you are a familiar with and are complying with their usage guidelines. Even purchased, there are often limitations on how frequent and where these images can be used.
I want to share this presentation with others. What is the best way to save this for distribution?
You can pdf these for review.
Who do I need to connect with to do a voiceover for my presentation? I need a microphone set up and want to make sure this presentation can be delivered without me there.
Use your existing processes today as you did before December 4, unless directed otherwise.
I have a large presentation that I still use that I need to put in the new template. Is there an easy way to apply this style?
Currently, there is no simple way to translate presentations automatically to the new templates. However, that is currently being looked at to try and alleviate this for users. Until that issue is rectified, you may have to re-build using the new PowerPoint slide deck.