Admin request template

Consent form signing request template

A consent form records a person's informed agreement to an activity, treatment or service, sent for signing via Cosign.

Send a consent form request Browse all templates

What is a consent form?

A consent form is a written record that a participant, or their guardian, agrees to take part in an activity or service after being told what it involves. It is widely used across health, education, community, research and events to confirm that consent was given knowingly and voluntarily. The key purpose is to create clear evidence of agreement at a specific point in time.

For an organisation, a signed consent form supports accountability, helps manage risk and shows that participants understood what they were agreeing to. Where minors are involved, a parent or guardian usually signs on their behalf. A signing tool helps you collect and store these forms reliably, but it does not determine whether your consent wording meets any legal, clinical or regulatory standard.

When to use a consent form

Enrolling participants in an activity, program or excursion
Obtaining guardian consent for a minor to take part
Confirming informed agreement before a service or procedure
Recording consent for research or a community event

What to include in a consent form

Activity description: what is being consented to, in plain language.
Risks and details: any risks, conditions or what participation involves.
Participant details: name and, for minors, the guardian's name and relationship.
Consent statement: a clear declaration of voluntary, informed agreement.
Withdrawal and date: how to withdraw consent and the date of signing.

Pros and cons of sending a consent form as a signing request

Pros

Collect signed consent without printing, scanning or posting forms
See who has opened and signed, and chase those who have not
Guardian can sign on a minor's behalf from any device
Completion receipt records the consent and date for your files

Cons and things to watch

Cosign does not check whether your consent wording is adequate
Sensitive consent may need specific wording you should confirm
Signers need email access and a device to open the link
A signed form does not replace clinical or legal advice

How to send a consent form with Cosign

Upload the consent form and preview it to confirm the activity, risks and details are clearly stated.
Add the participant or, for a minor, the parent or guardian as the signer with the correct email.
Set a 14-day expiry and add a password if the form contains sensitive personal details.
Send the request, track when it is opened and signed, and keep the completion receipt on file.

Consent form request details

Email subject

Consent form signature request

Default message

Please review and sign this consent form.

Signer setup

Participant or guardian

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign consent form

Best fit

Admin teams

Consent form FAQs

Is an electronically signed consent form legally valid in Australia?

Electronic signatures are generally recognised in Australia under electronic transactions laws, provided the usual requirements are met. Some regulated settings may have additional rules. If your context is sensitive, confirm requirements with a relevant professional.

Can a parent or guardian sign a consent form for a child?

Yes. For minors, a parent or guardian usually provides consent on the child's behalf. Add the guardian as the signer and make sure the form captures their name and relationship to the participant.

Is the consent form kept private when sent through Cosign?

Yes. The form is sent via a private link and is not published or indexed by search engines. You can add password protection where the form contains sensitive details.

Can the person withdraw consent after signing?

That depends on your form's wording and your own policies. A good consent form explains how a participant can withdraw. Cosign records the original signing but does not manage later withdrawals.

How do I know when a consent form has been signed?

Cosign tracks opens, previews and signatures, and can send reminders to anyone who has not responded. You receive a completion receipt once the form is signed.