Projects request template

Statement of work signing request template

A statement of work sets out the deliverables, responsibilities, timeline and acceptance terms for a specific project or engagement.

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What is a statement of work?

A statement of work (SOW) is the document that turns a broad agreement or master services contract into a concrete plan for a specific piece of work. It names the deliverables, the people responsible, the schedule, the assumptions and the basis on which the work will be accepted and paid for. Because it sits between a high-level contract and day-to-day delivery, the SOW is often the document people actually refer back to when a question arises.

Getting a signed SOW before work starts protects both sides. The client knows exactly what they are paying for and when, and the delivery team has a clear boundary around scope, which makes it easier to manage change and avoid disputes later. A signature from both the client and the delivery owner records that everyone agreed to the same plan at the same point in time.

When to use a statement of work

Kicking off a new project under an existing master services agreement
Engaging a contractor or agency for a defined piece of work
Confirming deliverables and timing before a delivery team allocates resources
Recording agreed assumptions and exclusions so scope is clear from day one

What to include in a statement of work

Deliverables: a specific list of what will be produced, in enough detail to judge whether it is complete.
Timeline and milestones: key dates, dependencies and any sequencing the parties rely on.
Responsibilities: who does what, including client inputs the delivery team depends on.
Acceptance criteria: how a deliverable is reviewed and accepted, and what happens if it is rejected.
Fees and assumptions: pricing basis, payment timing and the assumptions the estimate relies on.

Pros and cons of sending a statement of work as a signing request

Pros

Both client and delivery owner sign the same scope, reducing later disputes
Tracked status shows when each party opened, previewed and signed
Expiry keeps the SOW current so stale terms are not signed weeks later
A completion receipt records exactly what was agreed and when

Cons and things to watch

A signature confirms agreement but does not guarantee the work itself succeeds
Vague deliverables stay vague even once signed, so wording matters
It does not replace the underlying contract or legal review of terms
Scope changes still need a separate change order to stay enforceable

How to send a statement of work with Cosign

Upload your finished SOW and use preview to check the deliverables, dates and fees read correctly before sending.
Add the two signers: your client contact and the delivery owner who is accountable for the work.
Set an expiry of around 14 days, and add password protection if the fees or scope are commercially sensitive.
Send the private links and track opens, previews and signatures, then keep the completion receipt for your records.

Statement of work request details

Email subject

Statement of work signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this statement of work to confirm responsibilities, deliverables, and timing.

Signer setup

Client and delivery owner

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign SOW

Best fit

Projects teams

Statement of work FAQs

Is an electronically signed statement of work legally valid in Australia?

In Australia, electronic signatures are generally recognised under Commonwealth and state electronic transactions legislation, provided the signer consented and is reliably identified. A signed SOW is commonly treated as binding, but this is general information, not legal advice, so check anything important with a qualified adviser.

Who should sign a statement of work?

Usually the client representative with authority to approve the spend and the delivery owner accountable for the work. Cosign lets you add both as separate signers and tracks each one independently.

Does Cosign keep my statement of work private?

Yes. Each SOW is sent as a private link to the people you nominate and is not published or indexed by search engines. Only those holding the link, plus a password if you set one, can open it.

What is the difference between a statement of work and a contract?

A contract usually sets the overarching legal terms, while a statement of work details the specific deliverables, timing and acceptance for one engagement. The SOW often sits under a master services agreement and refers back to it.

Can I tell when the client has read the statement of work?

Yes. Cosign records when each signer opens the link and previews the document, so you can see whether your client has actually reviewed the SOW before they sign or chase a reminder.