This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Overview
The templates and tools below are published by Iris Ethics for use in research and evaluation projects subject to ethical review. Each is a starting point: adapt it to the specific requirements of the project, and have adapted documents approved by the review body before use (NS 5.2.15–5.2.16).
Consent and participant information
- Participant information and consent forms: what a participant information and consent form (PICF) must contain under NS Chapter 2.2, and a plain English template. Consent should be proportional to the risk and sensitivity of the project; a short in-line preamble can be appropriate for a low-risk online survey where a multi-page form would not be.
- Consent checklist: a one-page flow chart, developed with Jo van Twest Farmer, that doubles as a checklist for designing a consent process from participant identification through to ongoing consent and withdrawal.
- Distress protocols: a downloadable template for planning how a project team will recognise, respond to, and follow up on participant distress during data collection.
Risk and data management
- Risk management template: a risk register, dashboard, and guide built around ISO 31000 principles, for identifying, rating, and mitigating project risks.
- Data management: a template and checklist for framing a data management plan, aligned with NS 3.1.43 to 3.1.49.
- Data collection matrix: a spreadsheet-based tool for linking every data collection question to its purpose, presentation, and analytical approach.
Artificial intelligence
- AI transparency checklist: a structured checklist for documenting and disclosing the use of AI in data collection, analysis, and reporting, consistent with the Iris Ethics AI Policy.
Templates not listed here, such as amendment request forms and progress and final report forms, are available from the Iris Ethics office on request.
This page was last updated on 24 September 2026.
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This article makes reference to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025. It is intended as practical guidance and does not constitute legal advice.
AI Disclosure: Resources in this library were prepared using Large Language Models with input from Iris Ethics staff who guided the scope and design. Subsequent revisions and final versions were developed and approved by Iris Ethics staff.