A Review of Consent Form Best Practices

A recent review of data sharing practices in the UK by the Department of Justice  has identified major shortcomings of many media, academic and most notably – commercial researchers.

The review into gaining consent found organisations are failing to not only comply with the legislative and case law surrounding gaining consent to record, but also consent to store and publish data that organisations are gathering.

Example/Sample Consent Form

The following is an example of what a best practice consent form should contain. The consent form sample is based on recommendations from both the ESRC (Economic Social Research Council) and the UK Government Consent Guide.

Consent Form

What is the purpose of the recording?
What does participation involve?
Are there any benefits or risks?
How long do I have to participate for?
Do I have to say yes to this?
Can I withdraw later and if I do withdraw what happens to information already gathered?
When and where will we meet?
Who will be there?
What will you do with the recordings and information during the collection and dissemination of the final product?
How will the information about me be stored, archived, and disseminated?
Will anyone reading or looking at the final product/s be able to recognise me or know what I say?
How will you ensure confidentiality and the anonymising of the records?
Who is organising and funding this?
If I have a complaint – who do I complain to?
How can I get in touch with you later if I need to?