Consent & Information-Sharing Form Template for Support Coordinators
A copy-and-fill support coordination consent template covering what you share, with whom, why, for how long, and how a participant withdraws.
When you need this form
The consent & information-sharing template
Making the consent genuinely informed
Your privacy obligations
Common mistakes and edge cases
Worked example
Frequently asked questions
Is a verbal consent enough, or does it have to be written?
Verbal consent can be valid, but for information sharing you should document it. A written, signed form is the clearest evidence of what the participant agreed to, and it protects both of you if a disclosure is later questioned. If you take verbal consent in an urgent situation, note the date and what was agreed, then confirm it in writing as soon as you can.
How long should a consent last?
Only as long as it is genuinely current. Tie it to a review point — the next plan review is a natural one — and refresh it whenever the sharing changes, a new provider is added, or the participant's circumstances shift. Open-ended consent with no review date is a red flag.
Can a participant refuse to let me share information I think is important?
Yes. A participant can decline or limit sharing, and declining must not cost them supports they are entitled to. Record their decision, explain any practical consequences plainly, and respect it. If you believe there is a serious safeguarding risk, that is a separate duty-of-care question — get advice rather than overriding consent on your own judgement.
Does the nominee or guardian sign instead of the participant?
Only to the extent their authority genuinely covers the decision, and you should still involve the participant as much as possible. A plan nominee's authority is limited. Where the participant and their nominee disagree about a disclosure, pause and seek advice rather than relying on the nominee's signature alone.
What do I do if a participant withdraws consent after I have already shared information?
Stop any further sharing from that point and record the withdrawal with a date. Information already sent to a third party cannot be recalled, so be honest with the participant about that. This is exactly why you should share the minimum needed at each step rather than everything up front.