INFORMED CONSENT FORM AND INFORMATION SHEET 

Project title
The title of this project is [Insert Title in Bold, Title Case]

Thank you for showing an interest in this project. Please read all the information carefully. Think about whether or not you want to take part. I will contact you again on [insert date] to ask you about your decision. 

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to sign this form. 

You do not have to take part. If you decide that you do not want to participate, there will be no disadvantage to you. 

What are the aims of the project? 
The main aims of the project are 
•	
•	
•	

What will you be asked to do?
Procedures
If you agree to take part, you will be asked to [insert a brief, clear explanation of procedures involving the subject, including the amount of time required.] 

Risks and discomfort
[Insert: be explicit about any potential risks, and the likelihood of subjects experiencing discomfort.  Remember that this includes physiological, psychological, and social factors.] If you experience pain or discomfort, please tell the researcher immediately.

Safety
[Insert: be explicit about safety precautions that will be taken, including the presence of first aiders and medical screening, if necessary.]

Injury
If you are injured during the testing and have questions about treatment, you should contact [insert name of Supervisor and office phone number]

Benefits 
[Insert: if there are any benefits to the subject, include them here. If not, you may want to include the following:] You will not get any direct benefit from this study.  However, by taking part, you will help us to increase knowledge of the area being studied. 

Can you stop taking part?
You can change your mind and decide not to take part at any time. If you decide to stop, you do not have to give any reasons for your decision, and you will not be placed at any disadvantage whatsoever. 

What information will be collected, and how will it be used?
[Insert a brief, clear explanation about the type of data that you will collect, how they will be used, how they will be stored, and who will have access, and when the data will be destroyed] 

The results of this project may be published, but the information will not be linked to any specific person. A copy of your results will be given to you if you ask for them.

You can ask questions about the project at any time. Please contact [insert name of student researcher] at any of the testing sessions, or [insert name of Supervisor and office telephone number].

Statement by subject 
•	I have volunteered to take part in this project 
•	I know I can stop taking part at any time without being disadvantaged 
•	I am satisfied that the results will be stored securely 
•	I know that the results may be published, but they will not be linked to me 
•	I am aware of any possible risks and discomfort 
•	I agree to inform the researcher immediately if I am in pain, or if I feel uncomfortable 
•	I have had the chance to ask questions 
•	I know that I will not receive any money for taking part [delete if necessary]

I have read this form and I understand it. I agree to take part in the project titled [insert title]. 

Signed (Subject):					Date:

Signed (Witness):					Date: 

Notes for researchers:
•	If an open questioning technique is to be used, the following statement should be included in the section on "What will you be asked to do". 
"This project involves asking you some questions. The exact questions are not set in advance. If you feel uncomfortable about any questions, remember that you do not have to answer them. Also remember that you can stop taking part at any time without any disadvantage to you." 
•	This form does not apply to children or any other vulnerable subject populations. In these cases seek advice from a supervisor 
•	The form allows for a "cooling off" period for subjects to consider the participation. Do not pressurise the subject into signing the form immediately 
•	Consider whether or not your project requires medical or other screening
•	If your project involves deception, special considerations apply. Seek guidance from your supervisor

Notes on the construction of the form 
•	Forms should use 12 point font 
•	The right-hand margin should not be justified 
•	Short paragraphs and sentences should be used 
•	You should avoid using technical language or jargon 
•	Use the active rather than the passive voice 
•	Use headings and bullet points 
•	Make sure of that the print quality is sufficient to provide good contrast for readers 
•	Check the readability statistics using MS-Word
•	Adjust the readability for different comprehension levels.  The preceding template has deliberately used simple language

To access the Readability Statistics for your document, simply go to Tools and perform a Spelling and Grammar check.
Remember that Readability Statistics in isolation do not give a satisfactory indication that subjects will comprehend your informed consent form.