Interview Consent Form Template
Three free interview consent form templates — Basic, IRB-compliant, and Word-formatted. Download PDF or Word, fill in your placeholders, and you’re ready. No account required.
Choose the Right Interview Consent Form Template
Each template is built for a different context. Select the one that matches your use case — then customise every placeholder.
Basic Interview Consent Form Template
One page — covers all essential elements for research, student projects, journalism, and general interviews
Replace every [bracketed item] with your specific details. See the customisation guide below for what to write in each field.
INTERVIEW CONSENT FORM Study / Project Title: [Insert Study or Project Title] Researcher / Interviewer: [Full Name], [Role / Degree] Institution / Organisation: [University, Company, or Media Outlet] Contact: [Email Address] | [Phone Number] Interview Date: [Date] Estimated Duration: [e.g. 30–45 minutes] ────────────────────────────────────── PURPOSE You are invited to participate in [an interview / a study / a research project]. The purpose is to [describe the topic or objective in plain language]. WHAT YOU WILL BE ASKED TO DO You will take part in a [one-to-one / group] interview lasting approximately [duration]. The interview will cover [brief topic description]. RECORDING With your permission, this interview will be: [ ] Audio recorded [ ] Video recorded [ ] Not recorded CONFIDENTIALITY Your responses will be kept [fully anonymous / pseudonymous / identified with your consent]. Data will be stored [describe storage method] and retained for [retention period] before deletion. YOUR RIGHTS • Participation is entirely voluntary • You may decline to answer any question • You may withdraw at any time without penalty • You may request deletion of your data after the interview CONTACT For questions about this study, contact [Researcher Name] at [email]. [Optional: For ethics concerns, contact [Ethics Committee] at [email].] ────────────────────────────────────── CONSENT I have read and understood the information above. I agree to participate voluntarily. Participant Name (print): ________________________________ Participant Signature: __________________________________ Date: ________ Researcher Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________
IRB-Compliant Interview Consent Form Template
Full informed consent covering risks, benefits, data management, and IRB contact — required for human-subjects academic research
This template satisfies the HHS Common Rule (45 CFR 46) requirements for informed consent in human-subjects research. Every [bracketed item] must be replaced before submission to your IRB.
INFORMED CONSENT FORM FOR RESEARCH INTERVIEW Study Title: [Full Study Title] Principal Investigator: [Name, Degree — e.g. Dr. Jane Smith, PhD] Department: [Department Name] Institution: [University / Research Institution Name] IRB Protocol Number: [XXXXXX] IRB Contact: [IRB Office Name] | [irb@institution.edu] | [phone] Researcher Contact: [researcher@institution.edu] | [phone] ────────────────────────────────────── INTRODUCTION You are being invited to take part in a research study. Please read this consent form carefully and ask any questions before agreeing to participate. Your participation is entirely voluntary. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to [describe research objective and significance in 2–3 sentences]. Approximately [number] participants will take part. WHAT PARTICIPATION INVOLVES You will be asked to take part in a [one-to-one / group] interview lasting approximately [duration]. The interview will be conducted [in person / by video call / by telephone] and will cover topics related to [subject area]. AUDIO / VIDEO RECORDING [ ] I consent to this interview being audio recorded for transcription only [ ] I consent to this interview being video recorded [ ] I do not consent to recording; participation by notes only Recordings will be transcribed by [researcher / a third-party transcription service under a confidentiality agreement] and then deleted within [timeframe]. RISKS The risks associated with participation are minimal. You may find some questions sensitive. You are not required to answer any question you do not wish to answer. If you experience distress, you may withdraw at any time. [If applicable: This study has been reviewed by [Ethics Board] and approved under Protocol No. [XXXXXX].] BENEFITS There are no direct benefits to you from participating in this study. Your participation contributes to [describe broader research value]. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA MANAGEMENT Your identity will be [fully anonymised / protected by pseudonym / identified only with your explicit consent]. Data will be: • Stored on: [encrypted hard drive / secure institutional server / cloud storage with access restricted to the research team] • Accessible to: [Principal Investigator and named co-investigators only] • Retained for: [retention period e.g. 5 years] after study completion • Disposed of by: [deletion / secure archiving] at end of retention period Findings may be published in [academic journals / conference proceedings / reports]. No identifying information will be published without your explicit written consent. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may: • Refuse to answer any question at any time • Pause or stop the recording at any time • Withdraw from the study at any time without consequence • Request that your data be deleted up until [withdrawal deadline] Withdrawal will not affect your relationship with [institution]. ────────────────────────────────────── STATEMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT I confirm that I have read and understood the information above. I have had the opportunity to ask questions, and my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I voluntarily agree to participate in this research study. [ ] I consent to audio recording of this interview [ ] I consent to video recording of this interview [ ] I would like to receive a copy of the study findings when available Participant Name (print): ________________________________ Participant Signature: __________________________________ Date: ________ Researcher Name (print): ________________________________ Researcher Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________ ────────────────────────────────────── RETAIN A COPY OF THIS FORM FOR YOUR OWN RECORDS.
Word-Formatted Interview Consent Form Template
Structured for editing in Microsoft Word or Google Docs — includes formatting instructions, table-based signature block, and logo placeholder
This template is designed specifically for Word and Google Docs editing. [LOGO] marks where to insert your institution’s logo. Heading styles (H1, H2) and body paragraph styles are pre-set for professional formatting.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [INSERT INSTITUTION LOGO] INTERVIEW CONSENT FORM │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Title [Insert study or project title]
Lead Researcher [Name], [Role]
Department [Department, Faculty, or Team]
Institution [Institution or Organisation]
Email [Email address]
Phone [Phone number — optional]
IRB / Ethics Ref. [Protocol or reference number — if applicable]
Date [Interview date]
───────────────────────────────────────────────────
1. ABOUT THIS STUDY
[Write 2–3 sentences describing what the study is about, why it is
being conducted, and what you hope to learn. Use plain language.]
2. WHAT PARTICIPATING INVOLVES
You will take part in an interview lasting approximately [duration].
The interview will be conducted [in person at: location / via video
call / by telephone]. Topics covered will include [brief description].
3. RECORDING AND DATA USE
This interview WILL / WILL NOT [delete as appropriate] be recorded.
If recorded, the recording will be used for:
[ ] Transcription only (recording deleted after transcription)
[ ] Internal analysis only (not published or shared externally)
[ ] Publication in [specify: academic paper / podcast / broadcast]
4. CONFIDENTIALITY
Your responses will be treated as: [ANONYMOUS / PSEUDONYMOUS / IDENTIFIED]
Data will be stored on [system/location] and deleted after [period].
Only [named persons] will have access to your data.
5. YOUR RIGHTS
[ ] Participation is voluntary. You may withdraw at any time.
[ ] You may decline any question without giving a reason.
[ ] You may request that your data be deleted after this interview.
[ ] You will receive a copy of this form for your records.
───────────────────────────────────────────────────
SIGNATURES
I confirm I have read and understood this form and agree to participate.
Participant Name: ________________________ Date: ___________
Signature: ___________________________________
Researcher Name: ________________________ Date: ___________
Signature: ___________________________________
───────────────────────────────────────────────────
This form was approved by [Ethics Board / IRB] on [date]. Ref: [XXXXXX]
A signed copy will be provided to the participant upon request.
What Is an Interview Consent Form Template and Which One Do You Need?
An interview consent form template is a pre-structured document with placeholder fields that you fill in with your specific project details. Unlike a blank form you draft from scratch, a template ensures you never accidentally omit a required element — such as the IRB protocol number, storage location, or voluntary withdrawal clause. It also standardises consent documentation across multiple interviewers or research sites.
The choice of template depends on your context. The Basic template on this page is the fastest option — one page, plain language, suitable for most research projects, journalism interviews, student assignments, and general use. The IRB-compliant template is required for academic human-subjects research governed by the HHS Common Rule or equivalent national regulations — it includes the full informed consent elements mandated by most Institutional Review Boards. The Word-formatted template is designed for institutional or professional use where branded letterhead, numbered sections, and a formal table-based layout are expected.
For specialised interview types, we also have dedicated templates that go beyond these general versions. If you are conducting academic research interviews, the IRB template above covers the requirements, but you should also check whether your specific institution (SNHU, UCL, Penn State, University of Edinburgh) has its own required format — see the IRB interview consent form page for institution-specific notes. For dissertation interviews, the IRB template is typically the starting point, modified per your university’s ethics committee instructions. For podcast interviews or broadcast media, a recording-specific template that covers syndication and clip-reuse rights is more appropriate than a research template.
Not sure which variant to use? A quick rule of thumb: if your institution or ethics committee has reviewed or will review your study, use the IRB template. If you’re a journalist, podcaster, documentary filmmaker, or student doing a class assignment, the Basic template is sufficient. If you need a polished, branded document suitable for sending on letterhead, use the Word-formatted template. For completed examples showing what a finished form looks like, see our interview consent form samples and examples.
How to Customise Each Placeholder in Your Template
Every [bracketed item] in the templates above requires a specific type of content. Here is exactly what to write in each field.
The full, official name of your research project or interview purpose
Use the exact title as submitted to your ethics board or editorial desk. This appears in published outputs and must match your IRB application.
e.g. “Perceptions of Remote Work Among UK Knowledge Workers, 2026”
Your full legal name, degree if applicable, and your role
For academic research, include your highest relevant degree (PhD, MA). For journalism, include your publication title and reporter role.
e.g. “Dr. Sarah Chen, PhD — Principal Investigator” or “Alex Johnson, Staff Reporter”
The full official name of the university, company, or media outlet
Use the full legal name, not an abbreviation. For IRB submissions, this must match exactly the name on your protocol application.
e.g. “University of Michigan, Ann Arbor” not “U of M”
The reference number assigned by your ethics board
This is given to you when your IRB application is approved. Do not use this template with participants until you have received IRB approval and have this number. See IRB interview consent form for more.
e.g. “IRB Protocol #HUM-2026-0412”
Specify exactly what will be recorded — audio, video, screen, or none
Be precise: “audio only for transcription” is different from “audio and video for broadcast.” If you will use AI transcription tools, state this explicitly. For full guidance, see recording interview consent form.
e.g. “Audio recorded for transcription only — recording deleted after 30 days”
Where the recording and notes will be stored, and who can access them
Under GDPR and most IRB requirements, vague storage statements (“stored securely”) are not acceptable. Name the specific system and list who has access by role, not by name.
e.g. “Encrypted institutional OneDrive folder. Access restricted to PI and one named research assistant.”
How long data will be kept, and what happens at the end
Academic research: typically 5–7 years per funder requirements. Journalism: often indefinite as source material. UX research: typically 90 days to 1 year. See recording consent form for retention guidance.
e.g. “5 years after study completion, then permanently deleted”
Whether participant identity will be anonymous, pseudonymous, or identified
This is a critical commitment — choose carefully and honour it. Anonymous means no identifying information is collected. Pseudonymous means you use a code name. Identified means their real name may appear in outputs — only with explicit written consent.
e.g. “Fully anonymous — no names or identifying details will appear in any publication”
How to Use an Interview Consent Form Template
From download to signed form in five steps — typically under 20 minutes.
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Choose the right template variant
Select between the Basic template (one page, plain language, any interview type), the IRB-compliant template (full informed consent for academic research), or the Word-formatted template (branded, numbered sections, table signature block). If in doubt, start with Basic and upgrade to IRB if your ethics board requires it.
For academic research: check your institution’s ethics board website before customising — some universities (SNHU, UCL, Edinburgh) provide their own required template. See IRB interview consent form for institution-specific notes. -
Download PDF or Word
Click the PDF download for a print-ready version that looks identical to the template. Click the Word (.docx) download to get a fully editable version you can open in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice — add your logo, change fonts, and adjust the layout. For online or email-based interviews, the Word version lets you enable digital signature fields.
Google Docs users: after downloading the .docx, go to File → Open with → Google Docs to import it directly into your Drive. -
Replace every bracketed placeholder
In Word: use Find & Replace (Ctrl+H / Cmd+H) to quickly locate every
[bracket]. Never leave a placeholder unfilled — a form with “[IRB Protocol Number]” still showing will be rejected by most ethics boards and signals unprofessionalism to participants. Use the customisation guide above for what to write in each field.Run a final “Find all” search for the [ character before sending. If any results appear, you have unfilled placeholders. -
Review with your ethics committee or supervisor
For academic research, submit the customised draft as part of your ethics application — your IRB must approve the consent form before you conduct any interviews. For dissertation research, your supervisor must review it. For journalism, your editor or media organisation’s legal team should review the publication rights clause. For UX research, your company’s legal or privacy team should sign off.
Do not use the template with real participants until it has been reviewed. Using an unapproved consent form in academic research is a research integrity violation. -
Distribute, collect signatures, and store securely
Send the completed form to participants before the interview — by email (PDF attachment), in person (print), or via a digital signing platform such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign. Always collect a signed copy before the interview begins. Retain signed copies per your data management plan. For research, this is typically 5–7 years. Store in encrypted cloud storage or a secure institutional system accessible only to the research team.
Always give participants a copy of the signed form for their own records — this is a requirement under GDPR and most IRB protocols.