A guide for all TIFF© Providers
At Functional Fluency International (FFI), our intention is to cultivate a professional ecosystem that is both protected and generous.
We want TIFF© to remain a reliable, coherent and trusted instrument, while at the same time actively encouraging learning, collaboration, innovation and the continued development of thinking and practice within the Functional Fluency community.
With these agreements, we also honour the wishes of the founder of Functional Fluency and TIFF©, Dr Susannah Temple, who entrusted the copyright of the intellectual property of TIFF© to Functional Fluency International. In doing so, she gave FFI the responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the instrument while also supporting the continued development of the work within the community.
Over the past years, within this responsibility, we have created more space for professional development, collaboration and innovation, while maintaining the core principles of the work.
This document clarifies what we safeguard, why this matters, and where there is space for co creation and new ideas.
The Functional Fluency model itself is in the public domain.
The three categories, the five elements and the nine modes of behaviour may be freely used by anyone. In line with the original intention of the founder of Functional Fluency, Dr Susannah Temple, the model is therefore in the public domain.
When TIFF© Providers use the Functional Fluency model in connection with TIFF©, we ask that the model is presented using the gold and purple colour scheme that is characteristic of Functional Fluency.
These colours were introduced in a renewed form several years ago within Functional Fluency International and build upon the original design created by Dr Susannah Temple. The colours used in the TIFF© reports are currently also being aligned with this renewed visual identity, so that a clear and recognisable coherence is maintained within the Functional Fluency ecosystem.
A shared and recognisable representation of the model strengthens clarity, a shared language and the quality of practice across countries, cultures and professional contexts.
TIFF© is built on a substantial body of research and carefully validated constructs, primarily developed and tested within research contexts in the United Kingdom and Germany.
These foundations include:
These theoretical and psychometric foundations form an essential part of what makes TIFF© a strong, credible and professional instrument.
We therefore ask TIFF© Providers to work with these foundations carefully and respectfully, so that the integrity, intention and validity of the instrument remain intact for everyone who uses it.
At the same time, we warmly welcome:
Such contributions are invited into dialogue and collaboration with FFI, so that further development remains aligned with the validated constructs and core principles on which TIFF© is built.
Protecting the theoretical and validated foundations ensures that TIFF© remains accurate, credible and professionally respected, both across contexts and over time.
Certain elements of TIFF© are protected by copyright, as they represent many years of research, development, testing and professional expertise.
These include, among others:
To safeguard the reliability and consistency of TIFF©, the questionnaire, scoring and profile generation remain within the TIFF© Online system.
We therefore ask Providers not to copy, adapt, reproduce or distribute these materials independently, whether for individual use or wider application.
If you have ideas for adaptations, extensions or new applications, we warmly invite you to discuss them with us. Innovation is welcome. Independent duplication is not.
Shared and responsible stewardship ensures that TIFF© remains a tool that clients, organisations and practitioners can rely on with confidence.
Safeguarding also includes clarity and integrity in how TIFF© is named, presented and positioned.
This applies to, among other things:
• the name TIFF©
• logos and visual identity
• colour schemes
• descriptions and professional positioning of the instrument
New programmes, tools or applications that involve TIFF© are always welcome for discussion. We enjoy partnering with Providers to explore creative developments that align with the core identity and values of TIFF©.
Consistent presentation supports credibility, clarity and trust for clients, organisations and international partners.
Safeguarding does not close doors
Safeguarding does not mean limiting creativity or slowing development.
It simply means that further development happens together, rather than independently or in conflicting directions.
This helps maintain the coherence of the ecosystem as a whole and ensures that TIFF© remains a recognisable and trusted instrument across different contexts.
This also reflects the original intention of Dr Susannah Temple: to protect the work where necessary while allowing space for growth, development and collaboration.
We want TIFF© to continue evolving, deepening and expanding its positive impact in the world.
We believe this happens best through:
If Providers feel that certain elements could potentially be shared more widely, we invite them to discuss this with us. By staying in conversation, we can continue learning together and find the right balance between protection, quality and openness.
Your creativity, professionalism and lived practice are an essential part of the continued development of the Functional Fluency community.
Thank you for your care for TIFF©, for your professionalism, and for your contribution to the wider Functional Fluency Network.
Together we are building something that supports clarity, empowerment and positive transformation for people and organisations around the world.
If you have questions or would like to explore ideas, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Functional Fluency International
