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Where to find the approved consent forms

You must use an approved consent form, meeting the DfE user research informed consent principles and DfE data policies/UK data laws.

The consent forms are kept in the user research SharePoint library (available to DfE SharePoint users only) and are linked to directly on this page. Each form contains instructions about how to use it.

In any consent form you must:

  • use plain, non-technical language and provide details about the study's purpose, methods, duration, and what participation involves
  • explain potential risks and benefits to participants and what they might be exposed to

This approved consent form should be used by default for most user research.

Consent form File formats Summary
Default consent form Word, Forms

Appropriate for most DfE user groups and user research methods. Uses language that should be understood by most participants aged 10 years and over, including people with dyslexia.

These approved consent forms are for situations when the default consent form doesn't meet the context or needs of your research method or users.

We are developing additional approved consent forms to cover more research contexts. If there is not one in this list that meets your needs, contact research operations to check if one is in development.
Consent form File formats Summary
Children aged 7-11 Word

Written in child-friendly language.

It has two boxes to consent: one for the child and one for the parent or legal guardian.
Easy to read PowerPoint

Designed for people with a learning disability or low literacy. It provides information in a clear, accessible format, using simple language, pictures, and short sentences. Use it when your research involves participants who:

  • are 12 years old or more; and
  • have a learning disability or low literacy

There is also an optional easy read information pack that can be used alongside the consent form. You could use it if you're holding a pre-call with potential participants to tell them about the research.
Internal DfE staff - short version Word, Forms

Designed to be more casual and easier to complete. Use when your research is:

  • with DfE staff who are already familiar with user research, e.g. they've taken part in user research before, or work in a team where user research takes place
  • low risk, e.g. asking colleagues about how they use the intranet, or getting feedback on the design of office space
Internal DfE staff - comprehensive version Word, Forms

Intended to provide more explanation and reassurance, while still being quick to complete. Use when your research is:

  • with DfE staff who are unfamiliar or unsure about user research
  • higher risk, e.g. research about how colleagues' experiences of change management, or where you are collecting data about a colleague's disability
Multi-day and multi-method Word, PowerPoint

This form includes more space in the information sheet to explain what will happen over the course of the research and/or a range of research methods used. Use it when your research:

  • takes place over multiple days, weeks, or months, such as diary studies
  • uses a multi-method approach, such as asking users to complete a survey, access a service, and take part in an interview.
Surveys Word (text to copy into survey software)

Shorter wording designed specifically for online surveys. Three different versions:

  • surveys collecting personal data, but not special category data
  • surveys collecting special category data
  • surveys not collecting any personal data

Further help and advice

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