> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/getting-started/research-basics/custom-informed-consent.md).

# Custom informed consent

<table><thead><tr><th>Plan</th><th data-type="checkbox">Availability</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Core</strong></td><td>false</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Plus</strong></td><td>true</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Select</strong></td><td>true</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Enterprise</strong></td><td>true</td></tr></tbody></table>

Before you can add custom informed consent to individual missions, the documentation must be added to your organization’s Dscout account. You’ll work with your Dscout account manager or research advisor to get the necessary documents approved and uploaded.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Any required consent forms must be uploaded to Dscout before you launch your mission, and this process can take 3–5 days to complete. Keep this in mind when planning your research.
{% endhint %}

## Upload custom informed consent

**To upload custom informed consent, provide a copy to your Dscout account manager or research advisor. This copy of your informed consent must:**

* Be in an editable format. For example, a .docx file. **PDFs are not accepted.**
* Offer full transparency to what you are requesting of participants and how you will use their personal information.
* Include a signature block where participants can e-sign.
* Include the following language:\
  \
  \&#xNAN;*Any terms you agree to between you and \[researcher’s organization’s name] as part of this Mission will supplement, but will not supersede, the Dscout Scout Terms and Conditions and Scout Privacy Policy, both available at* [*dscout.com/legal/scout-terms*](http://dscout.com/legal/scout-terms)*, to which you have previously agreed and remain subject.*

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** If you need help drafting an informed consent, see this [user research agreement template](https://uxdesign.cc/user-research-participation-agreement-dd1c573c03c3) for guidance. Dscout is not able to offer help directly as informed consent is a legal document between you and your participants.
{% endhint %}

Once your account team has the document, Dscout’s Legal team will review it within 3–5 business days and notify you of any changes that must be made. Once the document is finalized, it will be uploaded to your Dscout account where you can add it to the necessary missions.

For information on adding your consent forms to individual studies, see the following articles:

* [Add informed consent to a media survey](/media-surveys/create-a-media-survey/add-informed-consent-to-a-media-survey.md).
* [Add informed consent to a usability test](/usability-tests/create-a-usability-test/add-informed-consent-to-a-usability-test.md).
* [Add informed consent to an intercept study](/intercept-studies/create-an-intercept-study/add-informed-consent-to-an-intercept-study.md).
* [Add informed consent to a diary study](/diary-studies/manage-a-diary-study/add-informed-consent-to-a-diary-study.md).
* [Add informed consent to an interview study](/interview-studies/create-an-interview-study/add-informed-consent-to-an-interview-study.md).

## Verify participant consent

**Participants can’t accept missions without signing your informed consent documents. So, if you see a response from a participant, rest assured that they have given their consent to participate.**

When participants sign informed consent documents, they provide us with personal information which is our obligation to keep secure. **So, we do not share any participant-signed documents back with you.**

Dscout securely stores and maintains the informed consent documents indefinitely. If you have reason to believe that a participant has violated any terms as described in your informed consent documents, we will work with you to address the issue. Reach out to your Dscout account manager or research advisor with any concerns.


---

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